History of the Book

Day 1

To define a book consider the following things:

 
materials
function
form
content
portability
preservation/longevity
 

Continue to consider these aspects as we travel through cultures, geography and time.

Images:

Books Have Meaning & Power:

Nazi Book Burning
Gutenberg's Technology
The Technology of the Computer and the Web
The Catholic Index of Forbidden Books
Books are Visual Icons in Art ( 19th c. illustration)
Books Have Miraculous Power (Exhumation of St Cuthbert & Stonyhurst Gospel)
Form Follows Function in this Medieval Girdle Book
Books as Beautiful Objects (this "Tale of Genji" )
 

Archeology Extends our Search for Meaning:

A Pre-Colombian Book Shows a Complex Writing System
Book from Africa Indicates a Reading Culture
Dead Sea Scrolls Taught Modern World About Ancient Scriptures & Life
 

Learning About Books from Materials Within Books Themselves:

Medieval Music Used as Part of Cover
 

Learning About Books from Art:

Islamic Book Shows Early Library
Durer Study of Hands and Books
 

 



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History of the Book Index Page