The Smithsonian Book of Books

Washington, D.C.: Smithsonian Books, 1992. 1st ed. Large quarto in white cloth and red faux leather spine with gilt titles in white cloth slipcase; illus. (some color); 319 pp., 29 cm.; illus. on slipcase is tipped in. Fine copy in fine slipcase (slip case) with very light fingerprints from handling in two spots on case and boards; else excellent; clean, tight copy; pages are bright, crisp, clean and free of marks and creases; binding is tight and square. in fine dust-jacket. Hardcover. ISBN: 089599030X; 9780895990303

In English. Out of print; Abstract: "From earliest attempts at writing to the newest electronic computer-books; from sumptuous illuminated and bejeweled medieval manuscripts to Gutenberg and the invention of movable type; from the diverse arts and crafts of bookmaking to the building of magnificent libraries for housing treasured volumes; from the ancient epic of Gilgamesh to the plays of Shakespeare and the tales of Beatrix Potter, the author highlights the evolution of the commercial value of books and of the passion for book collecting." **A large, heavy book. Extra shipping charges may apply.**