Burning of the Books promised an exploration of historical book burnings and censorship, but it took an unexpected route. I expected to read about events like the burning of the Library of Alexandria and the Nazi book burnings in 1933. Instead, the author, head librarian of the Bodleian Library, presented a broader narrative that included the role of archives and their importance in preserving cultural history.

The author argues that libraries and archives play crucial roles, yet he doesn’t always distinguish clearly between the two. He suggests that the Library of Alexandria’s decline was due more to neglect than to the famous burnings, which happened multiple times. This perspective was enlightening and added depth to our understanding of historical preservation.

The book shifts to the significance of archives, using examples from Iraq and Yugoslavia, and critiques colonialism. The author highlights how colonizers often destroyed archives to hide their crimes, quoting, “what’s burned won’t be missed.” This sheds light on a dark aspect of history that is often overlooked.

Interestingly, the author mentions the Bodleian and other libraries house works acquired through conquest. Yet, he doesn’t take a definitive stance on whether these artifacts should be returned to their original owners. This ambivalence leaves readers without clear guidance on a critical issue.

One of the book’s controversial points is the advocacy for preserving social media sites like Twitter and Facebook. The author argues that everything Donald Trump says and does should be documented due to his habit of deleting posts and lying. While this argument holds some validity, it raises concerns about privacy and government overreach.

Comments from former Labor Secretary Reich and Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez about holding Trump supporters accountable make this issue even more pressing. If the government collects and tracks everyone’s online activity, there’s a risk of misuse. Imagine a young Trump supporter who later changes their views; it’s troubling to think of such personal history being permanently recorded.

Overall, *Burning of the Books* makes a strong case for the importance of libraries but falls short in its discussion of archives. The author’s arguments about data collection and privacy are less convincing, leaving the reader with unresolved questions. Despite its insightful moments, the book feels incomplete and unsatisfying.

The book provides a thought-provoking read; it leaves much to be desired in addressing contemporary concerns about data and privacy. The narrative’s ambiguity on crucial issues undermines its overall impact.