"An Introduction to Book History provides a comprehensive critical introduction to the development of the book and print culture. David Finkelstein and Alistair McCleery chart the move from the spoken word to written texts, the coming of print, the book as commodity, the power and profile of readers, and the future of the book in the electronic age. Each section begins with a summary of the chapter's aims and contents, followed by a detailed discussion of the relevant issues, concluding with a summary of the chapter."--BOOK JACKET.

Theorising the history of the book -- From orality to literacy -- The coming of print -- Authors, authorship, and authority -- Printers, booksellers, publishers, agents -- Readers and reading -- The future of the book.