By Keith Houston
So I am not going to do review of The Book by Keith Houston (all though it is very good).
What I am going to review is the physical book it’s self.
It one thing that is not talked about much. When ebooks first became a big thing they they always talk about how convenient they were and the old physical books are dead.
That did not happen. In fact the ebook rise has plateaued and the hard/paper back book is resurgent.
What I missed in all the kindle kerfuffle is that the biggest strength of the book is it’s physical presence. Something you can hold in your hands. Place on your table next to your bed or drop in your bath.
Admittedly you would struggle to fit a thousand books into your suitcase when you travel. But that is one of the strengths of ebooks.
This book is one of the nicest books I have ever read. The pages have a smoothness and weighty feel that is hard to explain but it leads to a fantastic feeling as you turn the page. The more I read the more I wanted to turn to the next page and continue.
It takes explaining how a book is made–and how the whole process began– to great lengths.
It starts with the cover. No dust jacket, just cardboard bound. Each of the parts that make up the cover are labelled with great care.
It has even delt with me spilling coffee on it without any signs of trouble.
I heartily recommend this book as an object. To own, to look at, to feel and even on the outside chance to read. It does help it has been informative and entertaining in equal measure.
Ad XO
