History of the Book

The classic dictionary of rare book vocabulary -- but more entertaining and compelling than it sounds. Also editions available in Special Collections.

A concise, well illustrated, and very approachable introduction to the importance of books as cultural artifacts.

Highly recommended for those wanting an approachable introduction to the history of printing.
Available in both the circulating collection and Special Collections.

If you're looking for something a bit more academic than Chappell, this classic may be for you.
Available in both the circulating collection and Special Collections. Also older editions available.

An ultra-classic on the minutia of early printed books. Well illustrated, well indexed, and well organized, and thus easy to use as a handbook.
Also available as an e-book.

The forerunner to Gaskell and still a worthy introduction, but not as comprehensive and not as well illustrated. If you want a quicker introduction to the minutia than Gaskell offers, try this.

If you've read Gaskell and long for greater detail. Not for the faint of heart. While its focus is guiding the creation of bibliographical descriptions, it provides many insights into the production of early printed books.

A two-volume encyclopedia packed with concise, authoritative articles on all things book history.