Presents a history of the book, from the early uses of parchment, to the first works created in the Irish monasteries, to the invention of paper and the printing press.

Books for the few -- Among the Slavic peoples -- Parchment -- Irish monasteries -- The writing of Charlemagne -- For the glory of God -- In the shadow of the cathedrals -- The paper revolution -- Printing at last -- But the Chinese were first -- Characters and printers -- A book for all.