I found an interesting point of the book that I had to keep reading over and over. And that was how the very first books were created. The papyrus that was made out of "dried and split stems of a reed-like plant", and parchment, or vellum, "both made from the skins of animals, through different procedures". Parchment folded once became a folio, twice a quarto, three times on octavo. I love the history of reading and how it came about, and including the history of the creation of books was such a thrill.
The exactness ordered by a King was not only a necessity, but a law, and the production of papyrus was even considered a national secret. The importance of books can be found in many aspects when looking back over their history. Man has always wanted to communicate and has found the most imaginitive ways, from carving on sticks to drawing on cave walls. It just amounts to the simple fact that written communication will continue in one form or another.
Hey Kathleen! I think that this week's reading illustrated your initial thoughts from the "Twilight of the Books." People from the past had a want for books. They had that want and they turned it into a reality. It was considered such a precious thing to have books. I would honestly like to see a return to this want of literature. I think we take books for granted in present day because of the ease one can come by a book. Can you image a time that you could go your whole life without ever seeing one?
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