This isn't a history of bookmaking from the dawn of time to our day, so readers shouldn't expect it from this book. Instead, this is a short history of bookmakers, that is: the people who contributed to the evolution, transformation, and betterment of books since the invention of the printing press in the 15th century that made books possible in the form we know them now: printed words on paper.

The Book-Makers is clearly a book by someone who loves books, as a method for information transfer and as a physical art in themselves. I think that the choice to illustrate aspects of the development of books through telling the stories of people was a good one, showing the human character of the form clearly. I feel that some of the chapters do have a tendency to wander a bit, losing that direct link to the person the chapter ostensibly centers around. In all, the book was an enjoyable, informative read.

Books about books are some of the best types, but combine it with cool history, and you get something even better. I found that I hadn't heard of many of the people in this book, which made it that much more interesting. A fun and informative read for history and book lovers alike!

What a detailed and absorbing read. Well written entertaining this book really transports you to the scenes of book printing, use of paper and all sorts of interesting topics about books. Thank you to #netgalley and the publisher for an ARC.

—Thank you so much to the author, publisher, and NetGalley for the chance to review an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.

Every reader that loves books with their whole heart and soul should read this. It was such an interesting experience.

awesome book about the people who built our idea of the books. tyssm for the arc. favorite passages are near the beginning and the end.

Professor at Balliol College, University of Oxford, Adam Smyth combines impressive scholarship with a touch of friendly gossip in THE BOOK-MAKERS: A HISTORY OF THE BOOK IN EIGHTEEN LIVES. He enlivens the detailed description of book-making, that is, literally producing books as physical objects, from late 15th century to the present day with tales of the people who led the way. At times the detail overwhelm, but they are all in service to capturing the variety and vigor of book-making history. I would predict Smyth’s work will be the go-to source on this topic for the foreseeable future.

With thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for providing a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.