Gregory Walker

Even a great book might benefit from editing.

Usually, when we think of editing, we think of cutting things. This book needs the reverse. It is simply too SHORT. The Bodleian Library is such an amazing place that it needs a truly complete guide. As an overview, it is wonderful. But there isn't enough detail to get into depth.

I won't pretend to have read every chapter. I don't have enough background on Asian Studies even to know what to look for. (This is not to deny that it is good that the Bodleian collects in these areas; it's just that I can't speak meaningfully about the material.) But the areas I know -- English literature, history, classical literature, music, science -- are all well represented in the Bodleian. And the few pages devoted to each simply don't give enough information to know what is there. I'd have liked to see at least twice the coverage. As well as information on how to learn more.

That isn't really a complaint. Anyone who wants to do research in Oxford would benefit by having this book. But oh, to have more!… (mehr)