Paper Before Print

By Jonathan M. Bloom,

Book cover of Paper Before Print: The History and Impact of Paper in the Islamic World

Book description

Like the printing press, typewriter, and computer, paper has been a crucial agent for the dissemination of information. This engaging book presents an important new chapter in paper's history: how its use in Islamic lands during the Middle Ages influenced almost every aspect of medieval life. Focusing on the spread…

When you buy books, we may earn a commission that helps keep our lights on (or join the rebellion as a member).

Why read it?

1 author picked Paper Before Print as one of their favorite books. Why do they recommend it?

Bloom’s book, available in hardcover at a reasonable price, but not on Kindle, is a work of art. 

His intention is obviously to cover the period between 105 AD when pulp paper was first made and the 1000s AD when the Islamic papermakers saw their improved paper taken over by medieval Italian mills where it was improved further into the type of paper that could be used by Gutenberg in the 1450s. 

This period of over a thousand years saw profound changes, during which the papyrus paper and parchment that still ruled the Kingdom of Paper was gradually replaced. Bloom…

From John's list on the history of paper.

Want books like Paper Before Print?

Our community of 12,000+ authors has personally recommended 100 books like Paper Before Print.

Browse books like Paper Before Print

Book cover of Writing on the Wall: Social Media - The First 2,000 Years
Book cover of The Paper Trail: An Unexpected History of a Revolutionary Invention
Book cover of White Magic: The Age of Paper

Share your top 3 reads of 2024!

And get a beautiful page showing off your 3 favorite reads.

1,187

readers submitted
so far, will you?

5 book lists we think you will like!

Interested in paper, the Middle East, and Islam?

Paper 10 books
The Middle East 192 books
Islam 128 books