A Best Book of the Year: Mother Jones • Bloomberg News • National Post • Kirkus In these pages, Nicholas Basbanes—the consummate bibliophile’s bibliophile—shows how paper has been civilization’s constant companion. It preserves our history and gives record to our very finest literary, cultural, and scientific accomplishments. Since its invention in China nearly two millennia ago, the technology of paper has spread throughout the inhabited world. With deep knowledge and care, Basbanes traces paper’s trail from the earliest handmade sheets to the modern-day mills. Paper, yoked to politics, has played a crucial role in the unfolding of landmark events, from the American Revolution to Daniel Ellsberg’s Pentagon Papers to the aftermath of 9/11. Without paper, modern hygienic practice would be unimaginable; as currency, people will do almost anything to possess it; and, as a tool of expression, it is inextricable from human culture. Lavishly researched, compellingly written, this masterful guide illuminates paper’s endless possibilities.

A comprehensive account of early papermaking in America

In the year 105, Chi Lun brought the discovery of handmade paper to the world. Since then paper has evolved from many sources and by many hands. Some of these sources have caused concern for our environment and the evolution of the craft.Papermaking was first made by hand to be the carrier of beauty whether in words or art. Many countries claim the title of discoverer and many have carried on the traditions of their ancestors. As time has marched on from rags to trees, to rice stalks and hemp, paper still carries the same message. Through the time-honored traditions, handmade paper still continues to exist in our world and withstands the test of time. Nature provides the ingredients for paper, but it's the people that must respect the earth and what it gives us to continue to harvest, process and produce a commodity that sustains people for their livelihood or as an art form.

"In this important and long-awaited book, Timothy Barrett, internationally known authority in hand papermaking and Director of the University of Iowa Center for the Book, offers the first comprehensive "how-to" book about traditional European hand papermaking since Dard Hunter's renowned reference, Papermaking: The History and Technique of an Ancient Craft. This book, which includes an appendix on mould and deckle construction by Timothy Moore, is aimed at a variety of audiences: artisans and craftspeople wishing to make paper or to manufacture papermaking tools and equipment, paper and book conservators seeking detailed information about paper-production techniques, and other readers with a desire to understand the intricacies of the craft. European Hand Papermaking is the companion volume to Barrett's Japanese Papermaking - Traditions, Tools and Techniques." -- Publisher's description

This book sheds light on every facet of this time-honored craft and offers complete instruction s on how to duplicate its exquisite results in the West.

DIVProfusely illustrated guide clearly outlines procedure for making attractive and useful paper in vast number of sizes, shapes, textures and colors—all from vegetable fibers. /div