Forget dry history. Old English Libraries is a tour through a thousand years of book drama. Savage walks us from the first scriptoriums where monks painstakingly copied texts by candlelight, through the chaotic dissolution of the monasteries (where countless books were lost or scattered), and into the passionate era of private collectors who began gathering what was left. It's the story of how books were made, who collected them, why they were collected, and the constant battle to keep them safe from ruin.

Why You Should Read It

This book changed how I look at every old library I walk into. Savage makes you feel the weight of a medieval manuscript—the years of labor, the near-misses with destruction. It’s not just a list of facts; it’s about the human connection to knowledge. You get a real sense of the personalities, from humble scribes to wealthy bibliophiles, all obsessed with preserving words. It frames our modern love of books as part of a very long, fragile tradition.

Final Verdict

Perfect for history buffs who enjoy deep dives into everyday life, book lovers curious about the 'how' behind their oldest volumes, or anyone who likes a good survival story. It’s a niche topic, but Savage’s clear passion makes it accessible. If you’ve ever run your fingers along an old book's spine and wondered about its journey, this book has your answers.