The Building of a Book / A Series of Practical Articles Written by Experts in the Various Departments of Book Making and Distributing

Metadata

Gutenberg ID

23754

Title

The Building of a Book / A Series of Practical Articles Written by Experts in the Various Departments of Book Making and Distributing

Language

en

Book source

Project Gutenberg

Description max 80 words

This collection of practical articles by experts details every stage of book production, from conception and copyrighting to printing, binding, and distribution. Written for authors, publishers, and book lovers, the volume demystifies the complex craftsmanship behind a book, offering authoritative insights into type setting, illustration processes, and the business of selling.

Summary up to 500 words

The Building of a Book, edited by Frederick H. Hitchcock and introduced by Theodore L. De Vinne, serves as a comprehensive guide to the intricate art of bookmaking, authored by specialists in every department of the trade. The volume begins by dispelling the notion that printing is a simple craft, arguing instead that superior book-making requires harmonizing numerous antagonistic arts and sciences. George W. Cable addresses the author, emphasizing that while imaginative works are 'born' rather than built, they still require a sound architectural framework to avoid spiritual failure, especially when adapting to the mechanical limitations of magazines. The text then systematically explores the manufacturing process: Theodore L. De Vinne introduces the various contributors, including experts on type composition (Linotype, Monotype, hand), electrotyping, and proof-reading. Detailed articles explain the creation of illustrations, covering the gelatine process, photogravure, etching, mezzotint, and steel engraving, noting that high-class illustration demands immense skill and care. The production continues with descriptions of paper making, presswork, ink formulation, and the specific techniques of intaglio printing. The binding process is covered by experts in cloth, leather, and special bindings. Beyond production, the book addresses the distribution chain, featuring articles on publicity, reviewing, traveling salesmanship, wholesale and retail selling, subscription services, and auctioning. A significant section is dedicated to librarianship, discussing the librarian's duty to select books that meet public needs rather than just desires, balancing standard classics with local interests. Finally, Charles E. Goodspeed examines the rare and second-hand book market, explaining that a book's value depends on the combination of rarity and desirability, noting that age alone does not guarantee worth. The collection concludes by highlighting the vast number of books produced and the challenge of selecting the best for public libraries, celebrating the enduring nature of printed words compared to other household items.

LLM editorial rating

4.5/5

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https://www.gutenberg.org/ebooks/23754.epub.noimages

Local file path

data/epubs/pg23754.epub

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Downloaded at

2026-07-04 01:25 UTC

Categories

• Books
• Book Industries and Trade