Le industrie delle cose

A book can be broadly defined as a written document that communicates thoughts, ideas, or information. Throughout the ages, books have changed dramatically, assuming a number of different forms. The evolution of the book has followed the expansion of communication forms and methods and the ever-increasing demand for information.

Early times

The first known forms of written documentation were the clay tablet of Mesopotamia and the papyrus roll of Egypt, that date back as early as 3000 B.C. Independent of these developments were Chinese books, made of wood or bamboo strips bound together with cords, and dated back to 1300 B.C.

Modern Production

Modern book production came as a result of the invention of printing press. Although it most likely occurred earlier in China, its introduction to Europe is credited to Johann Gutenberg of Germany who printed a Latin Bible using a hand printing press with movable lead type in 1456. Each letter of early hand-set type was designed in a style resembling handlettering, so the first books appeared to be produced by scribes. In 1640, Stephen Day printed the first book in North America.

Due to the fact that printing press and moveable type mechanized the production process, books became available in greater numbers and, by the 19th century, its demand could not be met quickly enough by the process of hand printing and so, printers developed presses to accommodate larger sheets of paper and/or continuous rolls. 

During the 1800s, further progress was made, including the invention of:

• The papermaking machine (1820s), 
• Binding machinery (1860), 
• The cylinder press (1840s),
• And the linotype (1884).

Book production expanded during the 20th century and  there were important advances, as the introduction of the offset printing press and computerized typesetting, that made mass production more economical, and the development of the paperback book also made them more accessible. While other forms of media, as radio and television, had an adverse impact on reading in general, books remain the primary source of knowledge throughout most of the world.

Designing a book

The Design process begins with the author, with an editor and book agent, who consider elements of design that relate to the scope and purpose of the book, the desired approach to the subject matter, whether illustrations should be used, and other issues such as chapter headings and their placement. To determine those elements, one must consider the target audience, as well as editorial standards. It's also discussed if the book should include a preface, a foreword, a glossary, an index, and an appendix of supplementary material.

Once the manuscript is written, it must refined to obtain a final edited version prior to production, which usually involves a process of reviewing, editing, proofreading, revising and final approval. After, editors and art directors will determine this features:

• Page size and style,
• Typeface size and style,
• The type and weight of paper for the text and cover,
• Use of color,
• Presentation of visuals/illustrations in the text, if needed,
• Cover art/illustrations.

The Manufacturing Process 

After the book is written and its design is settled, book production can begin. The first stage is type-setting, in which the text is converted to the appropriate typeface style (font) and size (point size). After this version of the book has been reviewed and any necessary changes made, it's ready for printing and binding.
To be printed, the book must be written in a computer. The plates are then sent to press. If printing in only one color, each plate will require only one pass through the press. If printing more than one color, an additional pass will be required for each color. For example, if two colors are used, the paper is fed through the press twice. There are 3 main printing processes used: offset lithography, letter-press, and gravure. The process depends less on quality differences than on economic factors as availability of machines, number of books being printed, and the speed of delivery. After the sheets are printed and dry, they are delivered to the bindery, where the flats are folded and collated into book signatures and then bound in proper sequence. The binding also involves sewing the signatures together, gluing the spine, and inserting lining and trimming the edges. Its amount and type depends on the type of book and its size. In the final step, the book is "cased in," or enclosed in a cover.

Quality control

To ensure that a quality product is made, print shops conduct periodic checks where, besides checking blueprints, printers pull a press proof before the print run is begun. If certain areas are too light or too dark, adjustments may be required. After the signatures are sewn together, the print shop spot-checks them ensure they have been folded and sewn correctly. They also check if the book covers are properly bound to prevent the deterioration with use.