The Book: Its History and Development (Barnes & Noble Digital Library)

In nine engaging and authoritative chapters, author Cyril Davenport tells the story of the book from its earliest incarnations—formation of words and palm-leaf books—to the evolution of the illustrated book as an art form. What emerges is an intriguing portrait of paper and printing, the art of bookbinding, and illustration styles such as engraving, mezzotints, and photography.