Please watch the following video:
TED Ed. The Evolution of the Book – Julie Dreyfuss
Then blog below. What did you find interesting about the video? How do you personally feel about book formats? Are ebooks or digital versions of a story the same as a printed book?
I found it interesting that the font and sizes were different because they were made by hand! I love the feel of a book. Sometimes, I will judge a book by a cover and I know I shouldn’t. But that’s what draws me in first. Ebooks are convenient, but I don’t think they can replace a physical copy because with a physical copy, you can admire the feel and look of the book.
I found the video interesting because it showed how books evolved from oral stories and clay tablets into printed and digital formats. I didn’t realize how much effort it took to preserve stories before modern printing. I personally like printed books because they feel more real and help me focus, but ebooks are convenient and easy to carry around. I don’t think digital books are exactly the same as printed ones in the way that the story may be the same, but the reading experience feels different. Both formats are important and useful in their own ways.
I found it interesting how oil based ink was created of a mix of turpentine, lamp soot, and walnut oil. Also it was created because water based ink wouldn’t stick to the metal letter blocks. I personally believe all types of books are indeed books, however I have a huge preference when it comes to my own reading. I prefer hard cover, but generally printed over e-books. I did enjoy the power an e-book holds over physical books by being able to have an entire library on a single device.
I found it interesting that books had to get a rounded edge added for them to be more stable. I really enjoy having a physical book because it makes it easier to process the story. In theory, e-books and physical books are the same, but having a real book to hold helps you connect to the senses and makes it feel real because you are holding the book.
I was interested in how the printing press and movable type were involved in the production of books. Additionally, the spine history has evolved in recent years. Definitely holding a book makes a big difference compared to an ebook.
What i found interesting in the video is when the video talked about the creation of ink. When it talked about ink being made from combining organic plant and animal dyes with water or wine i thought that was interesting because of the origin. And then moving on to the reasoning that changed so ink could stick to the metal type, they instead used an oil base such as lamp soot. turpentine, and walnut oil.
How do i feel about book formats is that is nothing major. As long as its legible and coherent.
I believe e-books and digital versions can be the same as a printed book because its still telling the same story. And also its just a matter of convenience. some people prefer physical copies for many reasons. and some prefer digital copies for many reason. Like for space, or accessibility, or for building a collection or just simple reading.
What I found interesting in the clip is the illustration telling the history of books. I think the illustrations is what kept me engaged. I love book Formats. Sometimes the different textures and material captivate me into reading the book. Ebooks and digital versions of the book is not the same as a printed book. It doesn’t give the book the same emotional feel.
What I find interesting about the video is how it shows the evolution of book-making over time. I especially liked learning about the changes in ink and book covers. Personally, I think printed books feel very different from digital ones—they are more enjoyable and have a special vibe that ebooks don’t have.
I found it interesting how different places around the world used paper in different ways, whether it was first in China or even in ancient Egypt. I also found it fascinating how ink was created long before the materials we use today. Personally, I really connect to physical books. Holding a book in my hands, feeling the pages, and even smelling it creates a special experience, just like mentioned in the video. Everything comes together—the feeling, the smell, the connection. I enjoy reading a book much more than reading on a screen that I use every day. A book helps me disconnect for a while. In addition, I think that a person who has many books at home shows knowledge and curiosity in a beautiful way.
Whether digital or physical, type and publishing both have many similarities that would never go away. Even though you cannot smell digital pages, there is a visual pleasure that comes when type is nicely aligned with carefully selected type and color. Compared to the times when the printing press first existed. People generally seem to take it for granted that information is now accessible. The process of physically printing a book although beautiful and timeless is still out of the bounds of many due to cost and other factors. Taking the understanding of digitally designing text and image according to the physical dimensions of a book – many now have the ability to self-publish. Today, many have hundreds of books in digital libraries on their phones to enjoy.
Something I found really interesting was finding out that china actually invented paper for writing, originally inspired by Egyptian text. It was fascinating to see how other countries picked up after them and decided to use it in their own way. Something I also found interesting was the importance of the functionality for the spine. I feel like I personally would have actually preferred it as flat although the rounded version of the spine is usable for readers.
I like that every element of a book’s design, from the cover and spine to the ink and typeface, serves a purpose.It shows that books are more than just text on a page because they are thoughtfully crafted items that influence our reading habits. Personally, I like books in person since they help me focus more than digital ones. I’m easily distracted when reading on a screen by apps, notifications, or the want to change tasks. I can focus entirely on what I’m reading because there are no distractions when I’m reading a real book. The experience is also made more authentic and captivating by turning pages and holding the book.