Review of the hardback: 'Though much has been written on these subjects, by bibliographers and others, and though Mr Bennett is generous in acknowledging the work of others, his is a peculiarly original and fruitful achievement because of the questions he asks and the special knowledge he contributes … The many long and splendid quotations not only testify to an enviable range of reading, but also positively advance understanding of the problems discussed. In a field where scholarly competence and worthy labours are common enough, this book, itself the product of scholarship and hard work, stands out because it is also the product of a civilized mind.' G. R. Elton, The Listener

• Preface; Introduction; 1. The inception of a book; 2. Patronage; 3. The regulation of the book trade; 4. translations and translators; 5. The variety of books; 6. Printers and booksellers; Bibliography; Index.

Review of the hardback: 'Though much has been written on these subjects, by bibliographers and others, and though Mr Bennett is generous in acknowledging the work of others, his is a peculiarly original and fruitful achievement because of the questions he asks and the special knowledge he contributes … The many long and splendid quotations not only testify to an enviable range of reading, but also positively advance understanding of the problems discussed. In a field where scholarly competence and worthy labours are common enough, this book, itself the product of scholarship and hard work, stands out because it is also the product of a civilized mind.' G. R. Elton, The Listener

• Preface; Introduction; 1. The inception of a book; 2. Patronage; 3. The regulation of the book trade; 4. translations and translators; 5. The variety of books; 6. Printers and booksellers; Bibliography; Index.