A history of books

Putting this Evolution of the Book chart here so I can find it again. First saw it via Stephen's [Abram] Lighthouse. He posts more good stuff!

So here's my question: Has anyone over the past couple hundred years missed the scroll, the clay tablet; the papyrus or the sheepskin? I am guite sure my great-grandchildren will laugh when they read how people were once reluctant to give up paper books for electronic ones. And yes, my great-grandchildren WILL be reading.

Comments

[Michael Doyle]

Gutenberg and Munuzio's contributions allowed folks other than the privileged class to get their hands on books. Very few Western people saw any of the book history before the 15th century (too elite, too scarce, or Chinese). Papyrus and clay tablets were replaced, true, but since so few folks used them, no big deal.

Since books are accessible to just about everyone now, the changeover to electronic books is not truly revolutionary (though our ability to manipulate words is--that's where the revolution has already happened). The Kindles are remarkable for their "typeface", and I suspect as the typeface of other e-books get better (and the battery life longer), more most folks will prefer them to books, because they're like books! Portable and snuggly.

My car has seat belts, radial tires, anti-lock brakes, struts, air bags, and is very different from the car my grandfather drove. But it's still a car.

Many of us reluctant to give up paper books are not reluctant out of Luddite stubbornness--we're reluctant because of cost and readability. When Kindle is safe in the bathtub, I'll consider buying one.

[Floyd Pentlin]

Doug - Thanks for the chart. I'll keep that as well. I have to say that I'm enthusiastic for the new iterations of books -- whatever they are. However, in observing practicum students in an elementary the short time frame and constant rush of their classes has made me think about the topic somewhat differently -- at least at the elementary level. I would like to see elementary people have more electronic books available for the students who have access to the hardware, but in terms of mass and ease of circulation I think paper books will not be replaced soon -- ever?

[Kenn Gorman]

This post might not be exactly on topic...

I require my students to read one of the seven books from The Chronicles of Narnia in order to learn a number of technology related issues (how to outline, creating PowerPoint projects, internet research). Although most of them choose not to read the entire book and assume they can get all of their information from internet sites, I wonder how many more of them would read the book if it was an e-book (only because it was an e-book)?

I haven't yet figured out whether my students don't read the book because (1) its a requirement in a technology class, so they refuse to accept a reading assignment for a computer class; (2) they have problems with books (paper) regardless of the topic; or (3) if it's not on a screen it's either not interesting or not important.

If I could I would assign half of the class to read the book on paper, and the other half to read it using some technology. I wonder if I would get actual volunteers to read on a screen, or if I would still have to assign that.

My school has just started a technology committee to discuss and hopefully plan and implement new ideas for the next school year. I hope that sometime in September of this year I will be able to actually try out my paper vs. technology reading assignment.

[pierre echangiste]

Thank you for the post!
Sure nobody has missed the papyrus but the thing is that I am not sure that people will read more. I mean only the medium changes but teenagers and new generations spend more and more time online but it is not to read shakespeare, even if thez have a brand new e-book reader.
I think those ebook reader will increase and soon be common but the number of people reading books won´t I think.

[Glenn Wiebeg]

Doug,

As an old history geek, any graph or chart is a good one! But as a lover of books, I especially like this one.

I'll be curious to see how the evolution continues and suspect that it will only speed up. The Apple iPad's book feature seems to be something that is moving us along that path. But I'm still a bit like Michael - when I can use it anywhere, I'll be less reluctant!

Thanks for the post!

glennw

[Doug Johnson]

Hi Michael,

Might the combination of e-books and projects like OLPC perhaps lead to a democratization of information in developing countries?

I think the Kindle is safe in the bathtub for you. Just not for it!

Doug

Hi Floyd,

I tend to agree. Think this may need another blog post!

Doug

Hi Kenn,

My guess is the bloom would soon be off the rose if kids read regular books without enhancements on electronic devices. A book that does not meet a developmental need or interest wouldn't be more appealing just because it is electronic, I wouldn't think.

Interesting question!

Doug

Bon jour, Pierre!

Unless the e-book allows more access by more people to more books, I don't see ebooks halting the decline of reading (longer formats anyway). Having Shakespeare on my cell phone does nothing for me. But then it's been a long time since I've a teenager.

Doug

Hi Glenn,

As much as I like and appreciate my Kindle, it's not something that I couldn't live without. You worry about the bathtub, I worry about battery life and leaving it in an airplane!

Thanks for the comment,

Doug

[Todd Wandio]

What will I ever do when the same eReader is carried from the front room to the washroom to the bedroom? I'll have to hand sanitize a dozen times per day!

[Doug Johnson]

Hi Todd,

Just wear gloves like I do.

Doug