28 Jul Book Review of The Book-Makers: A History of the Book in Eighteen Live…
Book Review: The Book-Makers: A History of the Book in Eighteen Lives by Jeffrey K. Henson
There’s something inherently magical about books—a tangible manifestation of thoughts and ideas immortalized on pages that can transport us to another world. When I stumbled upon The Book-Makers: A History of the Book in Eighteen Lives by Jeffrey K. Henson, I was immediately intrigued. A narrative focusing not just on the book itself but on the personalities behind its evolution? Count me in! I was eager to discover the stories of those who contributed to our current understanding of books, from the very first printed pages to today’s vibrant zines.
Henson organizes The Book-Makers into eleven enlightening chapters, each dedicated to eighteen remarkably diverse figures who influenced bookmaking from the 1500s to the present day. The narrative beautifully traverses the timeline from Wynkyn de Worde, who expanded upon Gutenberg’s revolutionary printing techniques, to a group of creative minds who birthed zines and indie publications in the late 20th century. Each chapter unfolds like a mini-biography, revealing the quirks, innovations, and passions of each bookmaker. While I appreciated how these narratives introduced lesser-known figures, I found myself wishing for deeper context and richer personal histories, especially for characters like the Collett sisters, whose inventive "cut and paste" methods were remarkably ahead of their time.
Yet, this journey is not without its limitations. Henson predominantly focuses on Anglo-American figures, raising a few eyebrows—especially for a history that neglects significant European bookmakers, including the illustrious Gutenberg himself. While the author may not have intended to convey an Anglo-centric slant, it does leave an impression that the contributions of other cultures and innovators were underrepresented, potentially skewing our perception of the book’s evolution. My heart ached for the stories of German, Dutch, and French bookmakers, who, though absent, undoubtedly played vital roles in this narrative.
Among the eighteen bookmakers highlighted, I found the female innovators particularly compelling. Figures like Sarah Eaves, who worked on typography, and Charlotte Sutherland, who brought extra illustrations to life, are often overlooked in broader histories. Their contributions highlight a broader, yet understated, presence of women in the bookmaking industry. Reading about Lady Nancy Cunard’s small press revolution and Laura Grace Ford’s zines made me yearn for an expansive narrative dedicated solely to women’s roles in this field—to illuminate their integral contributions that history often sidelines.
Henson’s writing is engaging and approachable, with a conversational tone that made me feel as though I were sharing a cup of tea with a knowledgeable friend. The pacing flowed seamlessly, and while I sometimes wanted deeper dives, the breadth of content sparked my curiosity and left me with a wealth of thoughts whirlpooling through my mind after each chapter.
For readers who share a love for the literary arts, those fascinated by the history that shapes our reading experiences, or simply anyone curious about the often overlooked figures who have shaped the book world, The Book-Makers serves as a delightful introduction. While it does leave some stones unturned, it invites readers to ponder further about the industry’s landscape and the unheralded creators within it. Personally, this book nudged me toward a more profound appreciation for the multifaceted history of books and the diverse individuals behind them—each one a book in their own right, waiting to be read.
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