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

Embark on a captivating journey through the evolution of the printed book, as seen through the eyes of 18 extraordinary individuals who revolutionised its creation. This masterpiece, lauded as an Economist Book of the Year and a Financial Times Book of the Summer for 2024, has been hailed as 'the loveliest of books' and garnered high praise from the Spectator.

Delve into a world of ingenuity, craftsmanship, and serendipity, where printers, binders, publishers, artists, paper-makers, and library founders shape the destiny of the written word. Encounter familiar faces like Benjamin Franklin, the enterprising printer and American Founding Father, alongside Thomas Cobden-Sanderson, whose books bridge the gap between centuries. Uncover the forgotten heroes, such as Sarah Eaves, John Baskerville's wife and unsung heroine of typography, Charles Edward Mudie, the library mogul who preceded Jeff Bezos in publishing influence, and William Wildgoose, the enigmatic binder of Shakespeare's First Folio.

The Book-Makers breathes life into the human stories behind book production, transporting readers into bustling print-shops from 15th-century Fleet Street to modern-day New York. This gripping narrative explores the triumphs and tribulations, the moments of inspiration and the roads not taken, all while leaving a tangible impression of ink-stained fingers and a profound appreciation for the enduring allure of the printed book.

Hailed as 'a soul-expanding celebration of the human spirit' and 'a brilliant time machine of a book', The Book-Makers offers a mesmerising glimpse into the past, present, and future of book-making, demonstrating why the printed word continues to captivate and endure in our ever-changing world.

Product Information:

Book ISBN:	9781847926296
Book Weight:	638g