In Search of Lost Books

Praise

“A nearly perfect, albeit slim, text in which to lose oneself. It is the ideal companion for a short flight or train journey. It can be read on a bus or a subway, in a café or on a park bench. It reminds us that life, and all that we leave behind, is essentially ephemeral.” — World Literature Today


“In Search of Lost Books: The Forgotten Stories of Eight Mythical Volumes brings the true-life, little-known stories about books of legend that once existed, yet were burnt, torn, stolen, or simply disappeared. Here are the stories behind missing works by Hemingway, Sylvia Plath, Bruno Shulz, and more. In Search of Lost Books is captivating from cover to cover, highly recommended.” — Midwest Book Review

“Brilliant… a little masterpiece.” – Ian Sansom, The Guardian Books of the Year

“I read it all in a single, enchanted sitting.” – Bookseller Editor’s Choice

“It’s clear that Van Straten still searches for lost books, even as he recognises the futility of it. He likens the search to his childhood notions of the quest, to his longing to be “the hero who will be able to solve the mystery”.” — Guardian

“Fascinating… succinct and engaging.” — Never Imitate (blog)

“A captivating little book.” — Fine Books Magazine

“There’s real variety here. It’s hard not to get chills, raise smiles and be surprised by the talent on offer. Consider it a teaser trailer for some of your new favourite authors.” – Hits The Fan

“Charming, curious little volume… van Straten winningly demonstrates how these books ‘come back to life in us.'” — Country Life

“Engaging… instructing and entertaining… moving.” — Shiny New Books

“Delightful and absorbing… a little gem of a collection; recommended reading for any curious bibliophile.” - The National

“A private view of lost masterpieces, a particularly eloquent, lightly philosophical display of select, exceptional absences… a rewardingly, reassuringly old-fashioned quest.” - Bookanista