The book begins with an introduction by the author describing the parts he has played in the creation and keeping of literature. It then becomes a series of articles Darnton has written regarding books. He describes how Google has been attempting to digitize all books and the repercussions that will occur if they proceed with their plan. He explains the benefits and drawbacks of e-books and microfilm. Darnton describes the Gutenberg-e project, open access, and the future of libraries. He then reverts to the past describing the invention of paper and the book, the importance of bibliography, changes in reading and why it needs to be studied, and the general history of books including printing, publishing, and bookselling.
The book is filled with information and facts. Yet, there are many questions left unanswered. Overall it portrays the fact that literary history is still a very much buried field. There are thousands of bits of history waiting to be discovered within the realm of books.
