Books have been with us in one form or another since the dawn of civilization, and the general reader is often in need of information about the written and printed word. This dictionary is an indispensable tool for anyone who seeks quick and easy information on the history of the book, including articles on virtually everything the curious reader will want to know. It presents 650 alphabetically arranged articles of varying length and covers such diverse topics as: bibliographies and bibliographical societies; the history of printing, publishing, and bookselling; famous books, bestiaries, and bibles; and writing in the ancient world. A unique addition to the reference shelf, the work is a must for all those who use and love the printed word.

Books in one form or another have been with us since the beginning of civilisation, and the study of them is an essential part of the study of the history of civilisation itself. This dictionary is a handbook for all those who need to know about the historyof books: scholars, bibliophiles, research students, librarians and booksellers. It will provide quick and easy reference for the specialist and non-specialist alike in unfamiliar territory. The dictionary is an alphabetical listig of articles in the following categories: Bibliographical terminology, bibliographers, bibliographies and bibliographical societies ; The history of printing, publishing and bookselling ; The physical history of the book: binding, typography, illustration and paper ; Book collecting, book collectors and libraries .." -- Inside front cover.

A source of easy reference to the people, the processes and the institutions which make up the history of books over the last five hundred years.