Introduction to Book History

Alistair McCleery author David Finkelstein author

Format:Paperback

Publisher:Taylor & Francis Ltd

Published:24th Oct '12

Currently unavailable, and unfortunately no date known when it will be back

This paperback is available in another edition too:

Introduction to Book History cover

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.

'...it will continue to be invaluable as core reading for introductory courses in book history.' – John Feather, Library & Information History

Praise for the first edition:

'David Finkelstein and Alistair McCleery have written an excellent introduction to the history of the book. This concise volume covers the major aspects of book history to introduce the novice or to refresh the memory of the scholar... the book as a whole provides a starting place for further discussion and exploration into the history of literacy, the book, and ideas about reading and text.' – Millie Jackson, Libraries and the Cultural Record

'the tracing of history, historiography, and competing views is engaging.' – Journalism History


'David Finkelstein and Alistair McCleery have written an excellent introduction to the history of the book. This concise volume covers the major aspects of book history to introduce the novice or to refresh the memory of the scholar... the book as a whole provides a starting place for further discussion and exploration into the history of literacy, the book, and ideas about reading and text.'- Millie Jackson, Libraries and the Cultural Record

ISBN: 9780415688062

Dimensions: unknown

Weight: 540g

176 pages

2nd edition