Let's be clear from the start: this isn't a novel with a plot. Think of it as a series of fascinating, connected conversations. 'Old Picture Books, With Other Essays on Bookish Subjects' gathers Alfred W. Pollard's writings on his lifelong passion: the physical book itself.

The Story

The 'story' is the evolution of the book as an object. Pollard, a giant in the world of bibliography, walks us through the early days of printing in England. He focuses on books with pictures—those wonderful, often crude woodcuts that brought stories to life for readers centuries ago. He talks about the printers and publishers who were like the startup founders of their day, experimenting with type, paper, and binding. Each essay tackles a different bookish subject, from specific rare volumes to broader topics like how book collecting works. It's a tour through a library most of us will never get to visit, led by the most knowledgeable docent.

Why You Should Read It

You should read this because it changes how you see books. Pollard's enthusiasm is contagious. He isn't just listing facts; he's telling you why a particular way of stitching a binding matters, or what makes a 15th-century illustration so charming. He gives you the tools to appreciate the craftsmanship behind old books. For me, the biggest takeaway was learning to see books as time capsules. They carry the fingerprints (sometimes literally) of their creators and owners. Pollard unlocks that history. His writing is surprisingly warm and accessible—it feels like listening to a brilliant friend share their favorite hobby.

Final Verdict

This book is perfect for anyone who has ever been called a 'bookworm' and meant it as a compliment. It's for the reader who loves the smell of old paper, the reader who collects modern first editions, or the reader who just enjoys a good story about how things came to be. It's not for someone seeking a fast-paced thriller, but for a curious mind wanting a deeper connection to the very object they hold in their hands. If you believe books have souls, Pollard is here to explain why you might be right.