Papyrus

The book is widely celebrated as a heartfelt tribute to books, reading, and the enduring power of written words. Reviewers frequently praise the author's profound passion for literature and classical history, which shines through on every page. Many highlight the engaging and fluid writing style, describing it as clear, agile, and often poetic, making the journey through thousands of years of history both fascinating and entertaining. Readers appreciate the author's erudition and her ability to weave together diverse historical facts, anecdotes, and reflections on the birth, diffusion, and survival of books, from ancient clay tablets to modern e-readers. For many, it serves as an inspiring reminder of the wonders of reading, fostering a deeper appreciation for the role of books in shaping civilization and preserving human knowledge.

Despite its widespread acclaim, the book draws significant criticism, primarily concerning its structure, academic rigor, and narrative choices. A common complaint is that it is not a traditional scholarly essay but rather a general popular science work, often deemed superficial or basic for those already familiar with classical history. Reviewers point to a fragmented structure with frequent, seemingly random time jumps and repetitive ideas, which can make the reading experience tedious. The author's extensive inclusion of personal anecdotes and reminiscences is a major point of contention, with many finding these digressions self-indulgent and irrelevant to the main topic. Furthermore, some critics identify historical inaccuracies, overgeneralizations, and anachronistic comparisons, which they argue undermine the book's credibility as a work of popular history. The writing style, while praised by some, is also criticized by others for being overly grandiloquent, sentimental, or even "cheesy" at times, and for including unnecessary summaries of other well-known books. A perceived Eurocentric bias, with limited focus beyond Greek and Roman antiquity, is another point of dissatisfaction.

Ultimately, the book emerges as a highly polarizing work, adored by many for its emotional resonance and accessible approach, while strongly disliked by others for its perceived flaws in scholarship and structure. It is best suited for bibliophiles and general readers who share a deep love for books and are looking for a passionate, narrative-driven exploration of their history, rather than a rigorous academic treatise. Readers new to the subject of classical antiquity or the history of writing may find it an engaging and inspiring introduction. However, those seeking precise, in-depth historical analysis, a tightly organized structure, or a strictly objective tone, and those who are already well-versed in the subject matter, might find it repetitive, superficial, or even frustrating due to its personal digressions and occasional inaccuracies.