My Top Five Books of 2010: Book 5

On Saturday, I said I would share with you my top five books of 2010, starting with book 5, and ending with what was the best book I read in 2010. Well, without further ado, here it is:



As you can see, it's Acquired Tastes: 200 Years of Collecting for the Boston Athenaeum, by Stanley Cushing & David B. Derringer. Interesting choice, no?

I agree. Why is this the fifth best book I read this year?

Well, the history of the Athenaeum itself was fascinating as I have a soft spot for subscription libraries like this, or the London Library. Beyond that, the scholarly catalog entries for the items themselves were like an introduction in miniature to the world of rare and illustrated books. It is beautifully decorated, as well.

Stay tuned for tomorrow's book, No. 4!