num_pages: 218
description: The invention of writing was one of the most important technological cultural and sociological breakthroughs in human history. With the printed book information and ideas could disseminate more widely and effectively than ever beforeand in some cases affect and redirect the sway of history. Today nearly one million books are published each year. But is the era of the book as we know ita codex of bound pagescoming to an end? And if it is should we celebrate its demise and the creation of a democratic digital future or mourn an irreplaceable loss? The digital age is revolutionizing the information landscape. Already more books have been scanned and digitized than were housed in the great library in Alexandria making available millions of texts for a curious reader at the click of a button and electronic book sales are growing exponentially. Will this revolution in the delivery of information and entertainment make for more transparent and far-reaching dissemination or create a monopolistic stranglehold? In The Case for Books Robert Darnton an intellectual pioneer in the field of the history of the book and director of Harvard University's Library offers an in-depth examination of the book from its earliest beginnings to its shifting role today in popular culture commerce and the academy. As an author editorial advisor and publishing entrepreneur Darnton is a unique authority on the life and role of the book in society. This book is a wise work of scholarshipone that requires readers to carefully consider how the digital revolution will broadly affect the marketplace of ideas.
language: English
title: The Case for Books: Past, Present, and Future
publisher: PublicAffairs