On Paper: The Everything of its Two-Thousand-Year History (signed by the author).
New York: Knopf, 2013. Cloth over Boards. Octavo, pp. 430. Indexed, 60 b/w illustrations. New in new dustjacket. Item #15853
The latest book by "Self-Confessed Bibliophiliac" Basbanes is an engaging look at the history and ongoing influence of paper. Despite the continuing declarations of the death of paper and the rise of the "paperless society", this subject continues to be important in the dissemination of ideas, the pivotal events of history, and the minutiae of everyday life. From its beginnings in China to the complex formulations of the paper that is used for American currency today, Basbanes dives deeply into his subject with enthusiasm and thoroughness. "An absolutely fascinating tale. Told in an engaging, accessible manner, Basbanes's coverage of the topic is wide-ranging, freewheeling, authoritative... An essential, engrossing book that no book lover should be without." (Publisher's Weekly Starred Review).
Price: $35.00