Book history is the study of the development and evolution of books from ancient times to the present. It examines how books have been produced, distributed, and consumed, focusing on various formats such as manuscripts, printed books, and digital texts. This field also explores the cultural, social, and technological factors that have influenced reading practices and the book industry. Scholars in book history analyze the roles of key figures and institutions, such as printers, publishers, and libraries, in shaping the literary landscape. They investigate the impact of significant inventions, like the printing press, on accessibility and literacy, as well as the ways in which books reflect and shape societal values and knowledge.