One of the most important inventions of mankind, allowed to retain and increase his wisdom, was the book.It became the main crown of writing, the focus and symbol of knowledge.But how did the book?What is the history of the books?How has it changed over the last millennium?
primary source
history of the emergence and development of writing is inextricably linked with the history of the appearance of books.Initially, oral histories and rock paintings were the main method of transmission.But over time, the different peoples of the world have started to reinvent its system of signs to designate words.From this point there is the history of writing.
Once people have discovered for himself writing, they immediately started to use writing any improvised material.In the course were the stone and metal, tree bark, clay tablets and more.Great step forward was the invention of papyrus by the Egyptians.Before the appearance of parchment paper, and this material is mainly used for records.The prototype of the book
Overall glued to papyrus scrolls can be described as the prototype of books.The Phoenician city of Byblos, the center of the export of papyrus in Hellenic poles, gave the Greek name of the book - Byblos.It is from this word comes to us all the familiar concept of a library.
in Greece, and later Rome, the library has become an integral part of life and civilization.Ready writer recorded and published a lot of books a variety of topics.In those days the book looked like scrolls wound on a special stick, which had thickened ends.
history of the first book in this format is not known for certain.But we know the value of these books of the ancient world.
new form of
Around the I century AD there are the first manuscripts, over the centuries, they begin to gain greater and greater popularity.This was largely due to the convenience and practicality.After all, there was the ability to write on both sides of the sheet.The manuscript, with its small size, was very comfortable.
She finds recognition and honor in the Christian world, especially with the beginning of the active use of parchment, which displaces the papyrus.
History books in Europe in the Middle Ages is inextricably linked with the clergy, as the most widely read estate, and for the most part to create a book.
China invented paper, which later spread through India in the Arab world, and from there to Europe.So gradually the book radically changing its image, starting to resemble the familiar format.
Book in ancient
initially in Russia wrote on birch bark, but eventually came here and other kinds of media, including parchment paper.The history of the book in Russia had several significant steps.The appearance of birch-bark scrolls, which can be considered the initial stage, complementing the IX century no less significant event - the creation of the Cyrillic alphabet.Following this, in the XI century appear first manuscript book.
According to some historians, the first book in Russia could have been written before, maybe even in the X century.
Evolution
Eventually par with handwritten arises and a different type of books - printed.The history of the printed book begins in ancient China.There first prints on the fabric created from the VI century (according to other sources - from the IX century), although the piece-printing originated in China in the III century.For example, in Egypt it appeared analogue in the V century.
Over time, piece-print spread to the Arab countries, and in the XIV century, came to Europe.So begin to publish religious prints, historical records and chronology, the decrees of the king, and even playing cards.
In 1445 (date approximate) creates Johannes Gutenberg printing, making a break once in a number of areas, ranging from design and ending with the establishment of the font of your printing machine.
From Germany book-printing is beginning to spread across Europe.All books, created before the end of 1500, received the title of "incunabula", which translated means "the cradle".Initially, printed books remain a number of hand-written signs, but over time more and more away from them.
Over the subsequent centuries of typographic machines greatly improved, and the book itself is more and more becoming similar to the modern edition.The availability of paper at the end of the XIX century, the creation of steam printing presses, and later the introduction of linotype and monotype printing presses allowed to significantly increase the speed and volume of printing, making the book much more affordable.
together with the weakening of censorship and the expansion of areas of writing works, the book became public and an incredibly important source of knowledge and a true friend of the modern man.
Nowadays printed book continues to hold its position, although the emergence of e-books called the next step in its evolution.The history of the book is a stub.
