Introduction to Book History

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.

Table of Contents

1. Theorizing the history of the book 2. From orality to literacy 3. The coming of print 4. Authors, authorship, and authority 5. Printers, booksellers, publishers, agents 6. Readers and reading 7. The future of the book