Ronald J. Zboray and Mary Saracino Zboray, A Handbook for the Study of Book History in the United States. (Washington, D.C.: Library of Congress, Center for the Book, 2000).

This 155-page paperbound volume is an introduction for researchers to the literature and subject of book history.  In the first part of the volume, the authors explain why the field of the history of the book is important and discuss its major concerns. Most of the book describes how to locate and use source material. It concludes with observations about the future of book history, an appendix describing important periodicals for book historians and a 52-page list of suggested readings.

The Handbook is the Center for the Book's second resource publication about book history. The first, The History of Books: A Guide to Selected Resources in the Library of Congress (1987), by Alice D. Schreyer, is out of print but available in many libraries.

The Center for the Book was established in 1977 to stimulate public interest in books, reading and libraries. For information about its programs, publications and the activities of its affiliated centers in 40 states and the District of Columbia, visit its Web site at www.loc.gov/loc/cfbook.

A Handbook for the Study of Book History in the United States is available from Oak Knoll Press, 310 Delaware St., New Castle, DE 19720; telephone (302) 328-7232; toll-free (800) 996-2556; fax (302) 328-7274. The handbook can be ordered at online here. It also is available in the Library of Congress Sales Shop.