A Social History of Books and Libraries from Cuneiform to Bytes

This book is used, but is in very good condition.  Almost no wear on the covers.  Spine is in great shape.  Except for author's signature on title page (see photo), there is no writing or highlighting on pages.

While the importance of writing is well recognized, the role of books and, especially, libraries has often been neglected. Knowledge, once generated, must be communicated, preserved, and accessible. Books in various formats - from clay tablets to scrolls and manuscripts to pixels - have been instrumental in spreading knowledge, although relatively little attention has been given to the story of books themselves.

A Social History of Books and Libraries from Cuneiform to Bytes traces the roles of books and libraries throughout recorded history and explores their social and cultural importance. Following an introduction that sets the theoretical basis for the importance of books and libraries, chapters alternate between the history of books and the history of libraries. Included are short excursions on particular developments, such as book emblems or cataloging. Case studies are given as thematic illustrations of libraries everywhere.

Patrick M. Valentine argues that social and cultural forces have been more influential than technology in determining the nature and status of information, books, and libraries. A Social History of Books and Libraries from Cuneiform to Bytes, however, is far from a jeremiad against technology; rather, it presents history within the subtle yet shifting context of time and place. Although written primarily for librarians and library students, this book will also be of interest to a wider audience of scholars and those interested in books, libraries, and cultural history.