A study of books through history is a study of human history. 
 In The History of the Book in 100 Books, the author explores 100 books that have played a critical role in the creation and expansion of books and all that they bring -- literacy, numeracy, expansion of knowledge, religion, political theory, oppression, liberation, and much more. The book is ordered chronologically and divided thematically. Each of the 100 sections focuses on one book that represents a particular development in the evolution of books and in turn, world history and society. Abundant photographs inform and embellish. 
 Here are some of the themes discussed: 
<ul>
<li> In the Beginning -- first human scratches on cave walls, cuneiform tablets, papyrus books, the oldest table of prime numbers </li> <li> Eastern Approaches -- 1,000 years before Europe, the Far East "publishes" books using paper and other writing surfaces in multiple -- in one case 11,000 -- volumes </li> <li> The Great Classics -- the emergence of Aesop's Fables over 2,000 years ago; the first cookbook, by Apicius, reveals the excesses of the Roman empire </li> <li> Medieval Worlds and the Book -- the illuminated Book of Kells survives Viking raids; Ptolemy puts the world on a map; the miraculous beauty of the Prayer Books and Books of Hours </li> <li> Light From the East -- the oldest printed book of all: Diamond Sutra; the first novel, Tale of Genji (written by a woman no less); the first book of astronomy and the first book of anatomy </li> <li> Wheels of Change -- a period of firsts: Gutenberg invents moveable type; the first blockbuster; the first joke book; the first printing in Africa; printing in Arabic; first printed music </li> <li> Print and Steam -- technology puts photography in books; newspapers publish fiction in installments; enter Baedecker, the archetypical travel guide; celebrity cooking hits the page </li> <li> The Book in the Turbulent 20th Century -- public libraries spark an information explosion; the advent of mechanized copying; revolutionary book design; no topic is off limits; the publishing industry </li> <li> Digitization and the Future of the Book -- e-book publishing intersects with a return to handcrafted books; manga, redefining the book. </li> </ul>
 This book takes a singular approach that will appeal to astute readers. It will have a wide and diverse readership.

The History of the Book in 100 Books: The Complete Story, From Egypt to e-book

Literature & Fiction

Cave, Roderick

Ayad, Sara

Literary

Firefly Books

History & Criticism

A History of Children's Books in 100 Books takes a global perspective and traces the development of the genre from ancient stories, such as Aesop's Fables and the Indian Panchatantra, through the Puritan primers of the 17th century to the Harry Potter series and books as technology. 
 Taking the approach of its precursor, The History of the Book in 100 Books, this book is about children's books as artifacts, as well as the texts they contain, and the industry and society that produced them. It covers aspects of selection, design, production and marketing of books for children. For the most part, illustrations are key components of children's stories, visualizing fantastic scenes and making them instantly recognizable, and such artwork is beautifully reproduced throughout. 
 The chapters, with topic examples, are: 
 1. Oral traditions and pre-literacy; baby's first book; folk tales; nursery rhymes; board books; Sumerian "lullaby" tablet; Dr. Seuss. 2. Fables around the world for the young; Panchatantra (India 200 AD). 3. ABC of Aristotle (Middle English); pop-ups, picture books, early learning; alphabet books. 4. Educational books, non-fiction; adult influence; behavior; The New England Primer. 5. Smaller books for small readers; child protagonists; miniature books; chapter books. 6. Animal Magic; Mother Goose; Charlotte's Web; Beatrix Potter; The Jungle Book; A. A. Milne. 7. Innocence, experience, genre books; imperialism; religion; Little Women; Black Beauty. 8. Fairies and Frighteners: Grimm Brothers; Japanese Fairy Tales; Edward Gorey; Maurice Sendak; Der Strewwelpeter. 9. New genres, adventure stories; pulp fiction; C. S. Lewis; Pippi Longstocking; H. G. Wells. 10. Wartime: Destruction of books; series; awards; Le Petit Prince; Nazi button book; Roald Dahl; Matilda. 11 Comics; new media; Manga; survival manuals; cartoons; advertising; political correctness; awards. 
 This is an authoritative introduction for general readers, for those interested in illustration arts, and for students of children's literature, its history, and the history of books. It is an essential selection for specialty and general collections.

A History of Children's Books in 100 Books

Teen & Young Adult

See the best price to sell, buy, or rent books by Ayad, Sara. BookScouter helps to compare book prices from 25+ online bookstores and 30+ buyback vendors with a single search.

Books by Ayad, Sara