“I congratulate the editors (of A History of the Book in America, Volume 4.) for the successful completion of a difficult task, for producing a useful reference book that is much more than the sum of its part.” - Ann Fabian, Rutgers University

At the turn of the twentieth century, a period marked by enormous social upheaval, the print market was soaring in the production and distribution of books, magazines and newspapers, and in reaching an ever-expanding readership, however what were the consequences to such sudden and complex changes?

A History of the Book in America, Volume 4. is the latest instalment in Carl F. Kaestle and Janine A. Radway’s broad synthetic history of the print industry. Volume 4. examines the whole print market in motion - including magazines and newspapers – and analyses in detail the expansion of publishing and reading in the United States between the pivotal period of 1880-1940.

Kaestle and Radway worked collaboratively with a wide host of contributors, to provide the reader with thorough and extensive coverage of this dynamic period in print culture. The volume delivers strong, well-researched essays that address both the key developments in the history of book publishing, as well as the complex changing relationships across different print forms.

Additionally, some of the essays examine the relationship between the print world and institutions, looking at the use of print forms in everyday lives and considering the reader’s reception, their use of text, and how meaning is created. This leads onto an investigation into how the quick and cheap circulation of material influenced and fundamentally changed the social practises of reading forever.

The editors of A History of the Book in America articulated that their main aim with this volume was to “situate the development of a “culture of print” in a larger narrative about social change in the United States (during)…a period characterized at once by expanding markets, national consolidation, and social upheaval.”

Speaking for Rutgers University, Ann Fabian, gushed: “The volume reads beautifully, with each essay filling out the framework of the whole. The editors have preserved the distinct authorial voices behind clearly written and well-constructed chapters, which cover the production, circulation, and uses of print.”

For more information, please visit:
http://uncpress.unc.edu/books/T-8340.html

'Hidden Treasures' by Stephen Ratcliffe is a limited edition book documenting jewelled bookbindings and illuminated manuscripts in England between 1900 and 1939. The findings are based on many years of research and visits to major Private Libraries and Public Collections in the UK and USA, including previously unkown information.

Jewelled bookbinding originated in the middle ages and was used to cover important liturgical and devotional works for Popes and Kings. However, these books were destroyed and the jewels stolen from them.

By the early 20th century, English binders Sangorski & Sutcliffe reinvented jewelled bookbinding, binding books with unsurpassable craftsmanship.

Ratcliffe's book covers the masterpieces created by Sangorski & Sutcliffe, as well as thier competitors Riviere and the illuminated manuscripts of Alberto Sangorski.

Only one hundred copies of 'Hidden Treasures' will ever be produced privately for discerning collectors. Two versions of the book are available for purchase, both comprise 300 pages, the 'A' edition including over 140 illustrations in superb colour.

For more information about this book please contact Stephen at s.j.ratcliffe@btinternet.com.

By Emma Rickman

Last year certainly saw new records being set in the antiquarian book world. A 15th-century edition of maps by the second-century Greek mathematician Ptolemy sold for £2.1m, the highest price ever paid for an atlas. Also setting a record for a work of French literature was an 1873 signed edition of Une saison en enfer (A Season in Hell) by the poet Arthur Rimbaud, which sold for £335,869. Last year also saw a record price achieved for an Australian book, Journey of Discovery to Port Phillip, New South Wales, for £372,500, a seminal work of exploration integral to Australian history.

Buy our February/March issue to see the top 10 most expensive printed books of 2006 or to see the top 500 (including manuscipts) visit:

http://www.americanaexchange.com/newae/auction/stats/2006/2006aetop500.asp

The Rare Book Review website, after undergoing a recent redesign, is now offering far more possibilities to the Rare Book enthusiast.

Please do make the most of our new active Forum where you can discuss everything from high profile Antiquarian book thefts to the bookish gems soon to be offered on the market. Simply become a member, if not already, create a post and get the ball rolling.

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