A New Introduction to Bibliography

by Philip Gaskell

By his choice of title Gaskell relates the present work to McKerrow's Introduction to Bibliography for Literary Students of 1927. This is a new and different book, since it surveys of the machine-press period up to I950, whereas McKerrow had stopped at 1800. Although Gaskell agrees with McKerrow that 'bibliography's over-riding responsibility must be to determine a text in its most accurate form', he is concerned with printing and book-trade history and related only indirectly to the establishment of the text. A masterly consolidation of the results of authoritative research during the past half century, the New Introduction is an invaluable work of reference which no library concerned with literary studies, printing history, or librarianship can afford to do without. Although described by the author as a 'manual', it is a most readable, fascinating book, in which a large amount of technical information has been digested and presented with superlative skill. For lucidity and precision Gaskell cannot be faulted; he writes vividly and with zest, and his descriptions of the production routines of the printing house have an actuality which derives from his own practical knowledge and expertise as a printer. The hand-press period 1500-1800: The hand-printed book -- Printing type -- Composition -- Paper -- Imposition -- Presswork -- The warehouse -- Binding -- Decoration and illustration -- Patterns of production -- The English Book Trade to 1800 --- The machine-press period 1800-1950: Introduction -- Survival and change -- Plates -- Type 1800-1875 -- Paper in the machine-press period -- Edition binding -- Printing machines -- Processes of reproduction -- Mechanical composition, and type 1875-1950 -- Printing practice in the machine-press period -- The book trade in Britain and America since 1800 --- Bibliographical Identification -- Bibliographical description -- Textual bibliography -- Appendixes --- Reference bibliography.

Genres: Nonfiction, Books About Books, Library Science, Reference, History, Librarianship, School

462 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 1972

Reviews

[Florence Ridley · Rating 4 out of 5]

A thorough (actually, exhaustative) assessment of printing from the hand-press period through to 1900. Very interesting, with far too much detail (and too many appendices) for someone as uninitiated as me. Still fun though.

[Jennifer DuBose · Rating 2 out of 5]

Yeah...nope. If this is truly the “bible” for bibliography studies, then the language needs to be more accessible to researchers on all levels - not just esteemed bibliographical professors emeritus. Tell me why I have 2.5 college degrees and I can’t even tell you what a chapter is about once I finish it?? This thing is dated, rife with elitist language, and just overall presumptuous of its reader. I felt like I was on the outside looking in the whole time I read this, and I’m actually interested in pursuing bibliography studies. Skip this and go for Levy and Mole’s Broadview reader of book history.

[Roma · Rating 5 out of 5]

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[Alex · Rating 4 out of 5]

I read particular chunks of this, and skimmed most of it. It's not really designed to be read cover to cover (unless you are very interested in rare books bibliography), but more a guide to further existing bibliographic knowledge. I personally find that Gaskell is much easier to comprehend than Bowers, and is much easier to use as a guide and manual, rather than establishing every possible occurrence that could happen when writing a bibliographic record (ahem... Bowers...).

[Katie Holly · Rating 4 out of 5]

For those outside the niche of bibliography, the language of the book may seem a little confusing - a lot of biblio jargon. Gaskell does define the various terms but I think a general understanding is needed first to get his explanations. It’s not quite the beginner’s intro. However, for those who want a comprehensive, detailed guide to bibliography, this book is fantastic.

[Kristen · Rating 3 out of 5]

It's a textbook.

[Dan Axmacher · Rating 4 out of 5]

fascinating if you're into it

[Rebeca · Rating 3 out of 5]

Had to read this for my undergraduate final paper. Pretty interesting history on book-making.

[Kevin Mckinney · Rating 5 out of 5]

Life-changing

[Kit]

I do not recommend speed-reading this in one day.

[Jesse · Rating 4 out of 5]

There is an intellectual legacy in bibliographical studies. Amongst such traditional bibliographical pioneers as Pollard, McKerrow, Greg, Bowers, and Tanselle, Phillip Gaskell must surely be included in the list. His "New Introduction" is still the most comprehensible work in the genre, and it has remained to be the standard virtually since its first impression and distribution. The book guides the reader through bibliographical terminology by providing sufficiently detailed descriptions of the various facets of the printing trade from its development in the early modern period right into contemporary publication practices (excluding the rise of computer and internet technology). In my opinion, the serious student of descriptive bibliography should first read Esidale’s work on the subject, and then he/she can move on to McKerrow's book, after which reading Gaskell's “New Intro. to Bib.” would be best way to prepare the student for the more complicated work by Bowers.

[Mel · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book is the standard book for learning about antique books. (So I have been led to believe by UCL and the people at my work). It gives in Great detail every aspect of book production from the hand-press period, (making paper, ink, layout, type, binding etc.) as well as for 19th century book production. It answers a lot of questions and is a great referrence. It is however a little dull to read all the way through. And suffers from the problem of trying to explain in words complicated physical procedures. I found at many points I was picturing scences from Stephen Fry's documentary on the Guttenburg press. I'm glad they have it at work for reference but probably won't be getting my own copy.

[Audrey · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was my constant companion during my rare book cataloging internship. I used it any time I was having trouble determining a book's format or formulating collation. It's an exercise to read through, but densely packed with great information on books of both the hand-press and machine-press eras. It's a classic.

[Michele · Rating 4 out of 5]

I learned a lot in this book, although it is only useful information about the history of book publishing and the used book trade. Still, absolutely fascinating to someone like me. It truly is something of a trade "bible." Anything you want to know about the field of bibliography--it's in there.

[Joanna Kronke · Rating 4 out of 5]

An excellent source on the history of paper and book production during the hand-press and machine-press period. The guide to bibliography is well organized and information. A very dense read, however.

[J. · Rating 4 out of 5]

The classic work on the subject.

[Lynne · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hugely important, easily parsed overview of the history of the physical production of the book in both the hand-press and machine press eras.

[Roger · Rating 4 out of 5]

An extremely good introduction, though a lot of it is very difficult to visualize. If it were better illustrated, it would be a 5-star book, though it would probably end up being 1,000 pages.

[Abby Farr · Rating 3 out of 5]

It was very informative and useful for research purposes but it was very dry and often boring.

[Chris · Rating 3 out of 5]

Full of information, but a tough read. I give it 4 stars for the info and 2.5 for readability. I didn't read the whole thing though, only the parts assigned for class.

[Lashonda Slaughter Wilson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very technical

[Saima · Rating 3 out of 5]

Textbook for Rare Books and Manuscripts class (Fall 2020)

[Kimberly · Rating 3 out of 5]

For an introduction to Bibliography, pretty good.