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 civilisations, 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 ...
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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 civilisations, 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-colour illustrations, The Book gives us the momentous and surprising history behind humanity's most important-and universal-information technology. Praise for Shady Characters: "Punctuation is not a mere ornament or a curiosity-it is essential, and we need to know about it. Keith Houston's history is entertaining and readable."-The Guardian "Engaging typographical journeys... Houston brings to life a history of ingenuity and imagination."-The Times "[S]cholarly, highly readable and, on some deeper level, slightly deranged."-The Spectator "Refreshing... the stories he uncovers along the way are fascinating."-The Telegraph "Shady Characters might make you look at books... in an entirely new way."-Nature
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Add this copy of The Book: a Cover-to-Cover Exploration of the Most to cart. £15.53, fair condition, Sold by Goodwill Books rated 5.0 out of 5 stars, ships from Hillsboro, OR, UNITED STATES, published 2016 by W. W. Norton & Company.
Add this copy of The Book: a Cover-to-Cover Exploration of the Most to cart. £15.54, fair condition, Sold by Dream Books Co. rated 5.0 out of 5 stars, ships from Denver, CO, UNITED STATES, published 2016 by W. W. Norton & Company.
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Seller's Description:
Fair. This copy has clearly been enjoyed-expect noticeable shelf wear and some minor creases to the cover. Binding is strong and all pages are legible. May contain previous library markings or stamps.
Add this copy of The Book: a Cover-to-Cover Exploration of the Most to cart. £16.22, very good condition, Sold by Friends Tucson rated 5.0 out of 5 stars, ships from Tucson, AZ, UNITED STATES, published 2016 by WW Norton & Co.
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Seller's Description:
Hardcover. NOT Ex-library. Very good condition. No dust jacket. Slight bumping to hardcover corners. Clean pages and tight binding. Until further notice, USPS Priority Mail only reliable option for Hawaii. Proceeds benefit the Pima County Public Library system, which serves Tucson and southern Arizona.
Add this copy of The Book: a Cover-to-Cover Exploration of the Most to cart. £18.15, very good condition, Sold by Books For Life rated 5.0 out of 5 stars, ships from Laurel, MD, UNITED STATES, published 2025 by W. W. Norton & Company.
Add this copy of The Book: a Cover-to-Cover Exploration of the Most to cart. £19.63, good condition, Sold by BayStateBooks rated 4.0 out of 5 stars, ships from North Smithfield, RI, UNITED STATES, published 2016 by W. W. Norton & Company.
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Seller's Description:
The book is in good condition with all pages and cover intact including the dust jacket if originally issued. The spine may show light wear. Pages may contain some notes or highlighting and there might be a From the library of label. Boxed set packaging shrink wrap or included media like CDs may be missing.
Add this copy of The Book: a Cover-to-Cover Exploration of the Most to cart. £19.63, fair condition, Sold by BayStateBooks rated 4.0 out of 5 stars, ships from North Smithfield, RI, UNITED STATES, published 2016 by W. W. Norton & Company.
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Seller's Description:
Fair. The book is complete and readable with all pages and cover intact. Dust jacket shrink wrap or boxed set case may be missing. Pages may have light notes highlighting or minor water exposure but nothing that affects readability. May be an ex-library copy and could include library markings or stickers.
Add this copy of The Book: A Cover-To-Cover Exploration of the Most to cart. £19.77, like new condition, Sold by GreatBookPricesUK5 rated 4.0 out of 5 stars, ships from Castle Donington, DERBYSHIRE, UNITED KINGDOM, published 2025 by W. W. Norton & Company.
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Fine. Trade paperback (US). Glued binding. 448 p. In Stock. 100% Money Back Guarantee. Brand New, Perfect Condition, allow 4-14 business days for standard shipping. To Alaska, Hawaii, U.S. protectorate, P.O. box, and APO/FPO addresses allow 4-28 business days for Standard shipping. No expedited shipping. All orders placed with expedited shipping will be cancelled. Over 3, 000, 000 happy customers.
Add this copy of The Book: A Cover-To-Cover Exploration of the Most to cart. £20.56, like new condition, Sold by GreatBookPrices rated 4.0 out of 5 stars, ships from Columbia, MD, UNITED STATES, published 2025 by W. W. Norton & Company.
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Seller's Description:
Fine. Trade paperback (US). Glued binding. 448 p. In Stock. 100% Money Back Guarantee. Brand New, Perfect Condition, allow 4-14 business days for standard shipping. To Alaska, Hawaii, U.S. protectorate, P.O. box, and APO/FPO addresses allow 4-28 business days for Standard shipping. No expedited shipping. All orders placed with expedited shipping will be cancelled. Over 3, 000, 000 happy customers.
Add this copy of Book: a Cover-to-Cover Exploration of the Most Powerful to cart. £20.57, very good condition, Sold by Orca Books Cooperative rated 4.0 out of 5 stars, ships from Olympia, WA, UNITED STATES, published 2025 by W. W. Norton & Company.
