A Companion to the History of the Book

by Simon Eliot (Editor), Jonathan Rose (Editor)

A COMPANION TO THE HISTORY OF THE BOOK A COMPANION TO
THE HISTORY OF THE BOOK Edited by Simon Eliot and Jonathan Rose “As a stimulating overview of the multidimensional present state of the field, the Companion has no peer.” Choice “If you want to understand how cultures come into being, endure, and change, then you need to come to terms with the rich and often surprising history Of the book ... Eliot and Rose have done a fine job. Their volume can be heartily recommended. “
Adrian Johns, Technology and Culture From the early Sumerian clay tablet through to the emergence of the electronic text, this Companion provides a continuous and coherent account of the history of the book. A team of expert contributors draws on the latest research in order to offer a cogent, transcontinental narrative. Many of them use illustrative examples and case studies of well-known texts, conveying the excitement surrounding this rapidly developing field. The Companion is organized around four distinct approaches to the history of the book. First, it introduces the variety of methods used by book historians and allied specialists, from the long-established discipline of bibliography to newer IT-based approaches. Next, it provides a broad chronological survey of the forms and content of texts. The third section situates the book in the context of text culture as a whole, while the final section addresses broader issues, such as literacy, copyright, and the future of the book. Contributors to this volume: Michael Albin, Martin Andrews, Rob Banham, Megan L Benton, Michelle P. Brown, Marie-Frangoise Cachin, Hortensia Calvo, Charles Chadwyck-Healey, M. T. Clanchy, Stephen Colclough, Patricia Crain, J. S. Edgren, Simon Eliot, John Feather, David Finkelstein, David Greetham, Robert A. Gross, Deana Heath, Lotte Hellinga, T. H. Howard-Hill, Peter Kornicki, Beth Luey, Paul Luna, Russell L. Martin Ill, Jean-Yves Mollier, Angus Phillips, Eleanor Robson, Cornelia Roemer, Jonathan Rose, Emile G. L Schrijver, David J. Shaw, Graham Shaw, Claire Squires, Rietje van Vliet, James Wald, Rowan Watson, Alexis Weedon, Adriaan van der Weel, Wayne A. Wiegand, Eva Hemmungs Wirtén.

Genres: History, Nonfiction, Books About Books, Reference

620 pages, Paperback

First published June 11, 2007

Reviews

[Corvo · Rating 4 out of 5]

this helped me get a good grade on my paper so 4/5 thanks

[Elizabeth · Rating 3 out of 5]

The things I liked about this anthology only marginally outweighed those that I didn't. This is straightforward history of the dullest variety. Nothing analytical. That said, it's hugely comprehensive, not only in terms of the time it spans, but also its geography. I was impressed with the depth of knowledge that went into some of the pieces (particularly those giving information about "the book" in international frameworks). Other pieces seemed under-researched (which is only exacerbated with everything is under-theorized, at least in my mind). There are definitely pieces here that would be useful to assign as background (particularly to an undergraduate book history course), and I don't want to imply that I didn't learn a lot. I guess at the end of the day I've been thoroughly poisoned against history that doesn't go beyond an attempt to present facts.

[Masood Akhtar]

A comprehensive guide about the history of book from ancient to modern times. All aspects related to book making from the origin till date around the world. All details may not be relevant to all readers.

[Nanette · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book is a collection of essays on the subject of the history of the book. While many are very interesting and engaging, others are extremely dry and difficult to read through.

[Mauricio Villamayor · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book gives a good overview of the history of books. Although has chapters about Asia and South America developments on books, its overall view is too focus on European/NorthAmerican history.

[Jennifer · Rating 3 out of 5]

Long but interesting.