The Book-Makers : A History of the Book in 18 Remarkable Lives by Adam Smyth 9781529932669

The Book-Makers : A History of the Book in 18 Remarkable Lives

£12.99 GBP
£12.99 GBP
The Book-Makers: A History of the Book in 18 Remarkable Lives is an extraordinary exploration of 550 years of literary...
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The Book-Makers: A History of the Book in 18 Remarkable Lives is an extraordinary exploration of 550 years of literary evolution, brought to you by a masterful storyteller. This compelling narrative chronicles the lives of eighteen pivotal figures who shaped the world of books, from printers to publishers, and artists to library founders.

Delve into the fascinating stories of notable characters such as Benjamin Franklin, whose legacy echoes through American history, and Thomas Cobden-Sanderson, an artist who blurs the lines between centuries. Discover the unsung heroes of the book-making world, including Sarah Eaves, whose contributions to typography have been largely overlooked, and Charles Edward Mudie, the visionary behind the circulating library.

  • Rich Historical Context: Experience the evolution of the book from 1492 Fleet Street to modern-day New York.
  • Engaging Storytelling: Each chapter is filled with suspense, from print-shop dilemmas to triumphs, showcasing the raw emotions of the book-making process.
  • Invisible Threads: Uncover the quirks and contingencies that have shaped the literary landscape.

Though it may not have won formal awards, The Book-Makers is celebrated for its captivating approach and deep insight into the craft of book-making. It emphasizes the significance of human contributions to the printed word, ensuring that the essence of these remarkable lives is not forgotten.

Immerse yourself in the world of book-making that leaves ink on your fingers and discover why the printed book continues to thrive in our digital age.

Product Information

ISBN: 9781529932669
Author: Adam Smyth
Format: Paperback / softback
Imprint: Vintage
Publisher: Vintage Publishing
Dimensions: 211 x 240 x 28 mm
Publication Date: 17 April, 2025
Pagination: 400 pages
Weight: 330g

Sherlock & Pages is a little bookshop with a big heart. We are based in Frome, Somerset, England and curate lists of books in the areas we are passionate about – landscape, nature, history, and heritage. In short, the conservation of all we’ve inherited and all we are responsible to pass on. We aim to inspire and be inspired, to form a literary culture of care and passion about this precious planet we call home.

This is a shop where you might find something you haven’t seen before, and we like to think we’ve got something for everyone. We choose each of our books with care and for a reason. This is because our physical store is small but beautifully formed, holding only around 1200 titles at any one time. We try and recreate the feel of the shop wherever we are online, to reflect our niche categories and personality.

We have an active social media presence and aim to share our story with all our friends. The long-term goal is to build a hub for the books and writers we believe in. Who knows where our adventure will lead but by supporting Sherlock & Pages you’re helping us to add a further layer of magic to our little corner of the world. If you haven’t visited our physical store, one day you might just make a literary pilgrimage down to Somerset.

Our tagline is ‘Long Live the Hedgerows’ and our symbol a hibernating dormouse. If you want to support an independent with a unique character and which will share stories with you for years to come, then choose Sherlock & Pages. The world needs bookshops with soul, for they are ‘citadels of light.’

Sherlock & Pages is a little bookshop with a big heart. We are based in Frome, Somerset, England and curate lists of books in the areas we are passionate about – landscape, nature, history, and heritage. In short, the conservation of all we’ve inherited and all we are responsible to pass on. We aim to inspire and be inspired, to form a literary culture of care and passion about this precious planet we call home.

This is a shop where you might find something you haven’t seen before, and we like to think we’ve got something for everyone. We choose each of our books with care and for a reason. This is because our physical store is small but beautifully formed, holding only around 1200 titles at any one time. We try and recreate the feel of the shop wherever we are online, to reflect our niche categories and personality.

We have an active social media presence and aim to share our story with all our friends. The long-term goal is to build a hub for the books and writers we believe in. Who knows where our adventure will lead but by supporting Sherlock & Pages you’re helping us to add a further layer of magic to our little corner of the world. If you haven’t visited our physical store, one day you might just make a literary pilgrimage down to Somerset.

Our tagline is ‘Long Live the Hedgerows’ and our symbol a hibernating dormouse. If you want to support an independent with a unique character and which will share stories with you for years to come, then choose Sherlock & Pages. The world needs bookshops with soul, for they are ‘citadels of light.’

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