Description
Book SynopsisThis book introduces the fast-developing field of book history. James Raven, a leading historian of the book, offers a fresh and accessible guide to the global study of the production, dissemination and reception of written and printed texts across all societies and in all ages.
Trade Review"This is an invaluable survey of the origins, theoretical and methodological underpinnings, and major resources and findings of the fast-growing field of book history, across a global range of times and places."
—Ann Blair, Harvard University
"James Raven's boundary-defying book is delightfully adventuresome in its thinking and dazzling in the scope and command of the sources it adduces. This remarkably accomplished little volume will be part of the conversation for years to come."
—Michael F. Suarez, S.J., Director, Rare Book School at the University of Virginia
"It's exactly what I need to introduce me to what the discipline embraces, how it began and how it is developing."
—Karen McAulay, Times Higher Education Supplement
"'Easy writing', wrote the playwright Sheridan, 'is damned hard reading'. For James Raven this must have been damned hard writing indeed, for the result is reading which lightly carries a lifetime of learning and will surely act as an inspiration to others, not least to young scholars who are coming new to the field."
—Library & Information History
Table of ContentsPreface
Acknowledgements
List of illustrations and tables
1. The Scope of Book History
Redefining the book
First books first
2. The Early History of Book History
Pre-histories of the book
Towards bibliography
3. Description, Enumeration and Modelling
Retrospective catalogues and bibliometrics
New perspectives and projects
Circuits and diagrams
4. Who, What and How?
Economics
Wider horizons
Control: Copyright, censorship and circulation
Libraries
Cautions and precepts
5. Reading
Identifying readers
Recovering reading practises
Consequences
Further reading
Index
