THE LIFE OF THE BOOK

In an illuminating book culled from a lifetime spent in the design, editing and distribution of books, Hellmut Lehmann-Haupt traces the history of books, credits the engineers and inventors who developed printing processes, explains the mechanics of manufacturing and communicates most effectively the fascination and rewards of the world of letters. Although he combines a kaleidoscope of information on topics which range from paleography to incunabula, the separate parts are integrated by the author's theme that there is no excuse for an ugly book -- that all books can and should be tastefully presented to the public.