A tremendously important book for anyone working on book history in general and the history of personal libraries in particular. Pearson handles British sources on bindings, bookplates/stamps/labels, sale and library catalogs, &c. very well (it's not a stretch to say comprehensively), offering a wealth of ideas for further research. The book is very well illustrated, which certainly enhances the text (visualizing binding stamps and bookplate designs are much easier with pictures).

The person who writes the American version of this book will earn my eternal gratitude - it would be of monumental importance. But even for researching American provenance, Pearson will be of great utility. ( )

A very important book ( )

Fantastic!! A big recommendation. Very British in slant, but the author concedes that at the beginning. If you're an American collector, there is still a lot for you to learn here. ( )