The Oxford History of the Book

The Oxford History of the Book is a comprehensive and richly illustrated narrative that explores the history of books in all their forms, from the ancient world to the digital present. It covers the production, distribution, and reception of written, printed, and illustrated texts, and the impact of textual production, distribution, and reception on history.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 448 pages
Publication date: 27 April 2023
Publisher: Oxford University Press

The Oxford History of the Book is a comprehensive and authoritative exploration of the history of books in all their diverse forms, spanning from ancient times to the digital present. Comprising 14 original essays written by renowned international scholars, this remarkable work offers a global perspective on the evolution of books.

The history of the book encompasses the vast expanse of millions of written, printed, and illustrated texts, their manufacture, distribution, and reception. It encompasses a wide range of production techniques, from clay tablets to scrolls, inscribed codices to printed books, pamphlets, magazines, and newspapers. It also traces the evolution of circulation and dissemination methods, from coastal and transoceanic shipping to roads, trains, planes, and the internet.

Moreover, the history of books goes beyond the material form and encompasses the various modes of reading and reception. It includes learned debate and individual study, as well as public instruction and entertainment. It is a history of manufacture, craftsmanship, dissemination, reading, and debate. However, the true significance of the history of books lies in its impact on history itself.

Each chapter in this volume, carefully bounded by historical periods and geographical regions, provides insightful and thought-provoking perspectives on the relationship between books and the story of their times. The authors delve into the ways in which books have influenced societies, shaped cultures, and contributed to the development of knowledge and ideas throughout history.

The Oxford History of the Book is a valuable resource for scholars, students, and anyone with an interest in the history and culture of books. It offers a comprehensive and accessible account of the evolution of the book, shedding light on its material, social, and intellectual dimensions. This remarkable work will undoubtedly inspire and engage readers for years to come.

Weight: 392g
Dimension: 196 x 130 x 35 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780192886897