ABSTRACT
This second edition of An Introduction to Book History provides a comprehensive critical introduction to the development of the book and print culture. Each fully revised and updated chapter contains new material and covers recent developments in the field, including:
- The Postcolonial Book
- Censorship by states and religions
- Social History, and the recognition of underrepresentation of its value to book history studies
- Contemporary publishing
Each section begins with a summary of the chapter’s aims and contents, followed by a detailed discussion of the relevant issues, concluding with a summary of the chapter and points to ponder. Sections include:
- the history of the book
- orality to Literacy
- literacy to printing
- authors, authorship and authority
- printers, booksellers, publishers, agents
- readers and reading
- the future of the book.
An Introduction to Book History is an ideal introduction to this exciting field of study, and is designed as a companion text to The Book History Reader.
