o understand the future of print books in the digital age, one must first understand the history of books in society.
400 - 1500 A.D
In the Middle Ages, when printed text began to emerge, there were
only religious and philosophical writings. The clergy created the
material, and so they retained control over what was written and
printed. Depending upon what religious sect had fashioned the text, only
their view would be expressed, and only their belief was shared and
openly accepted. As these works were exceptionally difficult, and
elaborate to produce, they were usually only acquired by the wealthy. At
that time, the wealthy consisted of the Church, the royalty, and the
extremely successful merchant class. The average shopkeeper could never
have afforded to own a book, and the lowly barmaid would never have been
allowed to read one.
1453 - 1600
After the invention of the printing press, the reach of printed text
extended further than the Church, not by much however. The manufacture
of printed information was costly and time consuming. Therefore, the
growth of book publication and production was funded by the popular
politicians, the reigning royal family (and close friends), and the
upper crust of society. It was still accepted and expected that what was
considered popular reading material, be based upon the view, opinion,
and preference of those who could afford to purchase the books. It was
probably likely that writers, who wanted their work to be published,
would write what they believed the readers wanted to read.
As more
printing presses were employed, the printers themselves found methods
to lower the cost and the effort needed to print greater numbers of
books. As printing became more affordable, more writers could write and
publish what they wanted to, and more people could afford to read what
was being written. This factor began to encourage people to discover and
form new opinions and beliefs, and gave them the ability and the
willingness to share them with others. No longer were the elite or the
church controlling what was read, allowing the people to learn freely.
1640 - 1800
The printed word comes to America. However, the common people of
America were very limited in their reading material. The Bible and
related writings were most common and popular, as religion and its
infliction upon the masses were paramount to the first colonial
settlers. Again, for a time, the churches held power over what the
people read. In fact, boy children were taught to read and write in the
first colonial schools, with primers that contained the alphabet, and
passages of scripture. Girl children of the wealthy were taught basic
reading and writing, and math skills at home by their governess. It was
not acceptable until the late 1700's for girls to attend public school.
1800 - 1900
Printing was affordable, writing was open-minded and wide-ranging,
reading was all the rage, and even women and children were encouraged to
learn the skill. During this time, the invention of modern paper had
significantly decreased the cost of the production of books and
magazines. This met with the demand that the people had for more written
material to read. To satisfy this demand, book publishers developed
faster and more efficient, and more creative methods for the production
of books, such as adding color illustrations, and using variations of
typesetting.
The 1800s brought about a greater demand for
specialized books and magazines as different professions were developed,
and traditional professions advanced. This demand led to the conception
of dedicated publishing houses. A few of the earliest established
publishing houses are still recognizable in some form today, although
they have merged, been taken over by other media corporations, and have
transformed into different forms of media businesses. Nearly all
American people had access to books by this time, except for the very
poor and the completely uneducated, which made up a substantial part of
the population.
The book publishing business began to grow and
expand during the early and mid-1900's. During this time, specific
category books became more popular, such as trade books and textbooks
especially. Paperback fiction, mystery, and romance, were among the most
widely read material during this time. The laid back later years of the
1900's brought about the arrival of the mail order and the book club
readers. This assured that very few people were unable to find a book
when they wanted one.
The late years of the last century, and the
beginning of the new century, witnessed a surge in the number of and the
types of bookstores available in the United States. The Internet made
it possible and convenient to buy books online. There was even an
experiment, (if you will) in what is known as the eBook. While it did
not catch on as quickly as was expected, it is now a common aspect of
the cyber community. Countless would-be authors are able to create and
publish their own books in this form, and some of these eBooks are
actually very popular. These eBooks are also a useful and cost efficient
marketing tool for web entrepreneurs.
The book publishing
industry of today and tomorrow is not that different from when it first
began. The major difference being the amount of money spent and made in
this industry, and the size of the publishing companies. From the very
first published printed material, the intent was to spread enjoyment,
enlightenment, and knowledge. I believe that the intent is still the
same. However, the future of printed media is inevitably intertwined
with the other forms of media communications of today, and the media
that we have not yet imagined.
When the first book was published,
no one could have imagined seeing that book come to life on a movie
screen. When the first movie was made from a book, no one had yet
imagined being able to watch that movie on a hand held screen. Printed
media is encouraged to grow as our society grows, and printed media
encourages the growth of the other media forms.
Imagination writes the books, and books fuel the imagination.
The
future of print books is uncertain only because this media form faces
many challenges in today's society and modern culture. The Internet is
able to provide new directions from the traditional print book, but for
many there will never be a replacement for curling up in a favorite
chair with a favorite book.
