The case for books: past, present, and future

Abstract

"In The Case for Books, Robert Darnton offers an in-depth examination of the book from its earliest beginnings to its shifting role today in popular culture, commerce, and the academy. In a lasting collection drawn from previously published and new work alike, Robert Darnton lends unique authority to the life and role of the book in society. The resulting book is a wise work of scholarship - one that requires readers to carefully consider how the digital revolution will broadly affect the marketplace of ideas."-- Provided by publisher.

Contents

Google and the future of books -- The information landscape -- The future of libraries -- Lost and found in cyberspace -- E-books and old books -- Gutenberg-e -- Open access -- A paean to paper -- The importance of being bibliographical -- The mysteries of reading -- What is the history of books?