Book arts explore the material culture of the book—how a book’s physical form and its role in society shape one another. This means studying the “thing-ness” of books: the paper you touch, the ink you smell, the binding that lets the pages turn, and the cultural meanings those materials carry.
Materials and craft
Paper weight, fiber content, ink recipes, and binding methods reflect the technologies and aesthetic values of their time.
This guide offers starting points for researching book arts, particularly for students in the humanities and creative disciplines. It includes resources to help you:
Book arts sit at the intersection of making, reading, and cultural meaning. Whether you're studying early modern book production or contemporary publishing practices, this guide will connect you to key resources.
For further research help, click the “Chat with a Librarian” button on the library homepage, visit Merrill Library, or email us at ummlibrary@maine.edu.
Book arts live at the intersection of making, reading, and cultural study. Dive in, experiment with materials, and let these resources inspire your own work.
Learn more on the University of Maine at Machias Book Arts Studio program page: www.machias.edu/arts
Last updated: June 18 2025
Books have always been more than vessels for text—they’re technologies shaped by culture, materials, and reader habits. These resources explore how the form of the book has evolved over millennia, from papyrus scrolls to digital tablets, and how those changes reflect broader shifts in society.
The History of Books, from Papyrus to Paperbacks
A concise overview of book formats across history, highlighting the impact of cultural and technological changes on publishing.
A History of the Book in Seven Objects – British Library
Explore key objects from the British Library that represent major turning points in the history of the book.
From Papyrus to iPad: The Evolution of Reading – Big Think
In this short video, neuroscientist Maryanne Wolf explains how reading technologies shape our brains and our societies.
History of the Book – UCLA
An ongoing project by Johanna Drucker and UCLA librarians featuring exhibits, a coursebook, and curated image galleries on book production and reception
These classic works offer in-depth perspectives on the development of books, printing, and publishing. They are ideal starting points for students and researchers interested in the technological, cultural, and artistic evolution of the book.
Typography is more than decoration—it guides how we read and understand text. These resources cover font anatomy, layout principles, and can help you critically analyze visual text.
Discover books that define typography and graphic design—covering their history, theory, and best practices. These resources are excellent for research and inspiration.
Structure & Surface: Exploring Bookbinding and Paper Traditions
The structure and materiality of books shape their meaning. These resources explore historical and contemporary bookbinding methods, paper fibers, and global traditions of bookmaking.
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A Selection of Books & Resources Available at UMaine Libraries
The University of Maine at Machias Press publishes scholarship and regional writing produced in the UMM Book Arts Studio. Its imprint, The Library of Early Maine Literature, revives rare works that illuminate Maine’s cultural history. You can browse titles in the library catalog or volunteer for editorial, design, or letterpress projects through the Creative Arts Program.
