Book
If you happen to be a confirmed bibliophile interested in history, world cultures, or art, absorbing the riveting content of Book is a highly recommended activity. Heavily illustrated in full color, the chapters predictably but fascinatingly discuss the development of hieroglyphics, alphabets, libraries, printing, paper-making, and bookbinding, but also delve into illuminated manuscript and marbling techniques, handwriting styles, early typewriter designs, and the evolution of the book market.
I particularly enjoyed the extensive Asian and Middle Eastern coverage, which describes and depicts Mesopotamian cylinder seals, Arabian scripts, Islamic calligraphy, books written on palm leaves, and letters painted in gold onto sheets of ivory or inlaid with mother-of-pearl. I have pored over quite a few books about books over the years, but I found this one to hold a surprising amount of new information. While this edition is unfortunately out of print, you should be able to find a copy either online or in your local library. Enjoy!
