Norman Stevens, Wilson Library Bulletin:

"thorough and detailed...precisely the kind of analysis and summary...that is so sadly lacking in most other biographies of librarians...should serve as a model."

Thomas F. O'Connor, Library Journal:

"...more than just about Butler and the history of book collecting and library education...contributes to the intellectual history of the field."

W.L. Williamson, Library Quarterly, April 1993:

"...adds much to our knowledge of Butler. Richardson has diligently sought out evidence from almost every conceivable source....Individual sections...are interesting and informative. On balance, the book provides much that is new...."

Lowell Martin, Journal of Education for Library and Information Science Education, Winter 1993:

"a full-length and insightful biography....the profession needed this biography....and this volume does an exemplary job of presenting Butler to us."

P. Steven Thomas, Journal of Academic Librarianship:

"a carefully documented account of Butler's life and the book itself is a model of scholarly research and flawless citation practice...concluding with a thoughtful discussion of Butler's legacy to the profession....This book is recommended for all academic libraries."

Bryan Stack, National Librarian:

"an important contribution to the history of twentieth-century American librarianship....Though clearly based on extensive research, the book is written in an unpretentious style which is almost conversational, making it readable without undermining its authority....A particular strength of the book is its portrayal of people and human relationships, both in the interaction of their ideas and on a personal level."

David Gerard, Library Review:

"Unremitting in its attention to detail...the product of scrupulous research...holds the reader's attention...A well documented picture...."