THE BOOK-MAKERS A History of the Book in Eighteen Lives

Oxford professor Adam Smyth narrates his book with considerable brio and, of course, a deep understanding of the subject. Ranging from Wynkyn de Worde (assistant and successor to William Caxton, Britain's first printer) to contemporary zine publishers, he tells the history of the book in English through the lives of 18 people who represent different aspects of publishing. Although most of the lives are not well known (Benjamin Franklin and type designer John Baskerville are exceptions), together they tell a fascinating and coherent story. Smyth's voice is clear and mellow; his enthusiasm for the material is unflagging and contagious and, for those who care deeply about books, entertaining and informative. D.M.H. © AudioFile 2024, Portland, Maine [Published: SEPTEMBER 2024]