It's going to hear with another episode of the History Unplugged Podcast.

One of the most important pieces of technology you have in your house isn't your newest generation

iPhone or your smart watch. It is your book collection. Now this isn't your newest generation iPhone or your smart watch.

It is your book collection.

Now, this isn't the newest technology you have unless you're really a Luddite,

but it is the most important.

The book represents thousands of years of progress in finding the best way produce, collect,

systematize, and spread information.

And it's because there's so commonplace that it's easy to take them for granted.

The cheapness of books is why literacy is no longer only available to the very wealthy but

universal and why science and technology have continued to progress non-stop for the

last several centuries when it moved much slower before the printing press. But the world of print didn't just happen after Gutenberg created the printing press.

It's thanks to a number of creative bookbinders, typographers, and illustrators who made this all possible.

Today I'm speaking to Adam Smyth, author of the book

The History of the Book in 18 Lives.

We look at the role of human agency in the evolution of technology,

from binding to papermaking to typography to illustration, library construction, and running small presses.

We begin with the early printed books made by Dutch immigrant Winkin-Deward in 1490s, London,

and end with Zines in 2023 New York.

This is a close look at what I think is the most important piece of technology that humanity has ever produced.

And I hope you enjoy this discussion with Adam Smyke.

And one more thing before we get started with this episode, a quick break for word from our sponsors.

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