“Book Evolution” traces the remarkable journey of the book, from ancient scrolls to modern ebooks, highlighting its profound impact on society. The book examines how pivotal shifts in format, like the invention of the printing press, revolutionized not only information storage but also education and governance. Each chapter explores the social, political, and economic conditions that facilitated these technological advancements, revealing how the book's evolution is intertwined with broader cultural and intellectual shifts.
The narrative begins with early manuscripts, detailing their creation and role in monastic culture, before diving into the printing press era and its democratization of knowledge. The digital age, with ebooks and audiobooks, is then analyzed for its challenges and opportunities.
A central argument is that the book's form actively shapes its content and understanding, offering a unique perspective on the reciprocal relationship between technology and society. The book draws upon primary sources and interdisciplinary scholarship to provide a comprehensive account suitable for students, researchers, and anyone fascinated by the history of media.
