The Building of a Book: A Series of Practical Articles Written by Experts in the Various Departments of Book Making and Distributing

"The Building of a Book" by Frederick H. Hitchcock and Theodore Low De Vinne is a non-fiction work written in the early 20th century. This informative volume presents a series of practical articles authored by experts in various aspects of bookmaking and distribution, aiming to demystify the complex processes involved in creating a book from manuscript to published work. The opening of the book features a foreword by the editor, Frederick H. Hitchcock, emphasizing the misconception that printing is an easy task. He contrasts the perception of bookmaking as straightforward with its technical intricacies, noting that successful commercial printing requires skilled craftsmanship and an understanding of diverse processes, such as typography, proof-reading, and binding. Hitchcock's introduction sets the tone for the subsequent articles, which collectively detail the multifaceted nature of book production, underscoring the collaborative effort of various specialists in ensuring the quality and integrity of printed materials.