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Sale

The Book : A Cover-to-Cover Exploration of the Most Powerful Object of Our Time

by Keith Houston
Save up to 36%
The Book : A Cover-to-Cover Exploration of the Most Powerful Object of Our Time - Thryft
The Book : A Cover-to-Cover Exploration of the Most Powerful Object of Our Time - Thryft

Unveiling the hidden history of books' tangible components.

This book is a treasure trove of knowledge for anyone who is fascinated by the art and science of bookmaking. Keith Houston takes readers on a captivating journey, revealing the secret stories hidden within the pages, covers, and bindings of our beloved books. From the ancient civilizations to the modern era, Houston's vivid illustrations and engaging narrative bring the evolution of books to life. Prepare to see books in a whole new light and gain a deeper appreciation for the intricate craftsmanship behind them.

Note: While we do our best to ensure the accuracy of cover images, ISBNs may at times be reused for different editions of the same title which may hence appear as a different cover.
Sale

The Book : A Cover-to-Cover Exploration of the Most Powerful Object of Our Time

by Keith Houston
Save up to 36%
Condition guide

Book Condition Guide

Books in Like New Condition

This book may contain very minor cosmetic defects, but it is in pristine condition. There should be no yellowing, no foxing, no water damage, and no annotations of any kind on the cover and the pages. For paperbacks, there should not be any crease marks on the spine. This book is good as new — lucky you!

*Books may be missing bundle media (e.g. CD, e-book code), if included.

Books in Very Good Condition

This book has been used, but it is still in a clean condition. There should be no foxing or annotations of any kind on the inner pages, but a sparse amount may be present on the cover, title pages, or outside edges of the book. There should be no water damage of any kind. For paperbacks, there may be light crease marks on the spine.

*Books may be missing bundle media (e.g. CD, e-book code), if included.

Books in Good Condition

We do our best to ensure the quality of our books, but there is no escaping the wear and tear that comes with time. Slight foxing and some annotations may be present on the pages and the cover. There should be no water damage of any kind. For paperbacks, there may be several crease marks on the spine.

*Books may be missing bundle media (e.g. CD, e-book code), if included.

Books in Well Read Condition

This is a well-read book, which means that the previous owner probably really enjoyed it! The cover and pages may include moderate foxing and annotations, but the text is not obscured and still readable. Moderate cosmetic defects and minor water damage may be present on the edges of the book. For paperbacks, there may be multiple crease marks on the spine.

*Books may be missing bundle media (e.g. CD, e-book code), if included.

 

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ISBN: 9780393244793
Authors: Keith Houston
Publisher: W. W. Norton & Company
Date of Publication: 2016-08-23
Format: Hardcover
Related Collections: Science, History, Art
Related Topics: Historical, Design
Goodreads rating: 4.11
(rated by 1010 readers)

Description

“Everybody who has ever read a book will benefit from the way Keith Houston explores the most powerful object of our time. And everybody who has read it will agree that reports of the book’s death have been greatly exaggerated.”―Erik Spiekermann, typographerWe may love books, but do we know what lies behind them? In The Book, Keith Houston reveals that the paper, ink, thread, glue, and board from which a book is made tell as rich a story as the words on its pages―of civilizations, empires, human ingenuity, and madness. In an invitingly tactile history of this 2,000-year-old medium, Houston follows the development of writing, printing, the art of illustrations, and binding to show how we have moved from cuneiform tablets and papyrus scrolls to the hardcovers and paperbacks of today. Sure to delight book lovers of all stripes with its lush, full-color illustrations, The Book gives us the momentous and surprising history behind humanity’s most important―and universal―information technology.71 color illustrations
 

Unveiling the hidden history of books' tangible components.

This book is a treasure trove of knowledge for anyone who is fascinated by the art and science of bookmaking. Keith Houston takes readers on a captivating journey, revealing the secret stories hidden within the pages, covers, and bindings of our beloved books. From the ancient civilizations to the modern era, Houston's vivid illustrations and engaging narrative bring the evolution of books to life. Prepare to see books in a whole new light and gain a deeper appreciation for the intricate craftsmanship behind them.

Note: While we do our best to ensure the accuracy of cover images, ISBNs may at times be reused for different editions of the same title which may hence appear as a different cover.