Field Guide to Book History: Researching the Material Book

A Field Guide to Book History is a valuable resource for students and researchers interested in studying the material aspects of books, including their production, history, and cultural significance. It provides an overview of book production theories, discusses the parts of a book and their common features, and explains the intricacies of book production. It also offers insights into identifying fraudulent books, researching ephemera, and the various approaches to manuscript books and materials. Accessibly written and richly illustrated, the guide is indispensable for novice researchers and students of the book.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 352 pages
Publication date: 01 January 2021
Publisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd

Students often find it surprising to discover that a book's container can hold significant importance in understanding the value placed on it by the original readers, as book historians have attested. To aid those new to the field, Ann R. Hawkins and Maura Ives have authored "A Field Guide to Book History," which offers valuable insights and interpretive skills for studying books. The guide focuses on books published in England and America from the late 18th century to the present, tracing the intricate transition from handmade to machine-made objects.

The authors begin by providing an overview of theories related to books and book production, followed by an introduction to the various parts of a book, such as the fore-edge. They also delve into the common features of books, helping researchers understand the historical, cultural, and sociological context of the artifact under examination. Explanations of the intricate book production process assist researchers in exploring the historical, cultural, and sociological aspects of the artifact more thoroughly. Additionally, discussions of marginalia, inscriptions, and other signs of ownership shed light on what post-publication marks can reveal about a book's history.

The guide also teaches readers how to identify fraudulent books, conduct research on ephemera, explore different approaches to manuscript books and materials, and understand the processes involved in converting texts to digital form. It is worth noting that books on production processes can often be highly detailed and challenging to navigate. However, "A Field Guide to Book History" stands out as a remarkable resource, thanks to its richly illustrated, imaginative design, and accessible writing style. It is an indispensable tool for novice researchers and students interested in the book, providing a comprehensive and engaging introduction to the field.

Dimension: 234 x 156 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781472436245