I expected the opposite of what this book was. I was hoping for many visual examples of artists' books, instead, there was a collection of articles <i>about</i> these artists' books.

The Journal of Artists' Books being an actual journal (JAB) with articles, rather than a visual journal.

I hoped for a book encouraging artists to create artist books, instead, there was pride in gatekeeping them:

"Artists' books are still largely without the kind of gatekeeping that helps sort work in other fields - the critical processes of review and peer review that promote one painter, installation artist, poet, or other practitioner from the mass of daubers and scribblers".

My experience is coming from the other side - art journaling. The craft that is open to tinkerers, to casual creators, to those simply wanting to make a mess without judgment. If that is what you're looking for, this book will not have it. If you're looking for a more academic view of the art made (by Real Artists™), then you'll probably enjoy it.

"Artists will keep making books. And so will I"

(I received a free copy from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review)