This was a fun read, covering the development of books and literature through history. Obviously that's a massive subject and too much to cover in any detail in one book so it's a bit of a whistle stop tour and told in a light hearted way. It's enough to give some very interesting little facts though and to whet the appetite for finding out more. Very much a book to dip in and out of rather than reading in one sitting, but well written and engaging, it's a great addition to the shelves of any book lover.

Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for an advance copy in return for an honest review.

4.25*

Thank you to NetGalley and Michael O'Mara Limited for an eARC of "The Secret Library" in exchange for my honest and voluntary review.

This revised edition of a 2016 release is a lighthearted wander through literary history packed with interesting literary facts and funny anecdotes. It meanders chronologically starting with ancient literature and bringing us up to date and reads like a series of vignettes making it easy to dip in and out of at your pleasure.

I really enjoyed the variety of mini essays on offer and appreciated the introductions of early women writers including Julian of Norwich and Margery Kempe.

Overall, a book for booklovers that is entertaining light reading with many facts and titbits that'll make you want to pick it up multiple times without fear of having to read a full book each time.

This re-release is published on March 28th 2024

The Secret Library is a wonderful gander through the lesser-known corners of literary history written in an engaging and accessible style. The author doesn’t shy away from using humour to make facts more entertaining, It‘s a book that is perfect to dip into on a whim.

(Side note: I‘m not entirely sure if this is simply a new, revised edition of the 2016 original publication or if the changes were more significant.)