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Smith wittily and ingeniously studies books as objects, possessed by readers not produced by writers.
... an enthralling, timely, and spirited tour through the history of the book.
... the real pleasure of Portable Magic is its function as a sort of biblio-biography: a portrait of the author in books, or at least a guided tour by a celebrated craftswoman to the tools of her trade.
... lively and engaging.
... a book for people who love books.
... brilliantly written.
... entertaining.
The author’s trenchant analysis, attention to detail, and conversational tone combine to make a page-turning historical study. At times, though, the rapid narrative pace becomes frustrating, as the author skips rapidly through trends—e.g., abolitionist book sales—that warrant more space. Nonetheless, Smith’s work is a delight for bibliophiles, historians, and curious readers craving an unconventional piece of nonfiction.