Casanova Was a Book Lover: And Other Naked Truths and Provocative Curiosities about the Writing, Selling, and Reading of Books

by John Maxwell Hamilton

Book Overview

Everyone knows which books people buy; they can just look at the best-seller lists. But who knows which books people steal? Who, for that matter, knows that authors ruin the book market by writing too much? Or why book critics are not critical? Or why librarians need to throw out more books? Who, indeed, knows the answer to that all-important question in our democracy: should presidents and presidential candidates write books? (The answer is no.)
In...

• Format: Hardcover
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0807125547
• ISBN13: 9780807125540
• Release Date: April 2000
• Publisher: LSU Press
• Length: 368 Pages
• Weight: 1.60 lbs.
• Dimensions: 1.4" x 6.3" x 9.3"

Customer Reviews

Great Ride

This work appeals on many different levels. With the author's sparkling wit a constant companion, the reader is taken on a veritable Aeneid through the literary world. Everything from vanity presses to coming-out parties to the hype machines that drive sales to the overloaded Library of Congress make appearances. The breezy style lulls you into enjoying every little tidbit until you look up to realize that the ride is at an end.

Incredibly interesting!

Hamilton has written a most interesting report from behind the scenes of publishing. Any bibliophile should read this book. Not only does it have thorough chapters about the economics of books and its impact on literature, but many tidbits and lots of book trivia that is not so well-known. Hamilton shows that although he can be very witty when he wishes to, he is still very skilful with words and can reason in depth about the subjects in question. Some information is pure entertainment, other information is thought-provoking, and all is interesting. This is a book that is hard to put down - you want to know more and more and more. I wish there was a sequel available!Hamilton has a distanced and ironic attitude - he is not fooled by marketing people or any others. I think he has a very healthy perspective. Books are not holy, and Hamilton has indeed analyzed this business like any other. If possible, I would have given an extra star for the index. The index has many entries and is practically indespensible, since you will always want to come back to some parts. Also, I consider a good index necessary for reader-friendliness. I also liked the bibliography in the end - many suggestions for further reading ...

Tells it like it is...Finally!

Hamilton does what needs to be done to the book industry...this book pulls no punches and exposes all the tie-ins and problems with critical reviews, including the problems with the one I'm writing right now! It really is an eye-opener and has helped me be more critical of the quality of books now being published and to distinguish between the plethora of junk and self-promotional drivel. Good read!

This book is a must for bibliophiles everywhere

Where do I begin the praise for this extraordinary book? I could start with the brilliant prose, that makes every passage sparkle. Or I could comment on the ingenious content, that unleashes its wisdom upon the reader as each page is turned. Perhaps I should begin with the witty satire, that provides comic relief throughout the whole of this magnificent book. No, I don't think there is just one facet of Casanova that makes it the wonderful piece of literature that it is. Rather, it is the sum of its parts that makes me read it over and over and over, until I have been able to memorize and recite entire chapters at a time. Like a fine french wine, say a '75 Rothschild, this book has to be savored. Every page has to be drunk deep into the readers' psyche. I would suggest you buy several copies, just as insurance in case one or two are destroyed. My father really needs the money from the royalties.