Summer College II: From Stone to Smartphone: “Books” and the Materiality of Reading

As one of humanity’s most enduring inventions, the book is defined not only by its form but also its function. It remains a physical repository for human expression, even as it has been continuously reinvented and reimagined for thousands of years. Yet beyond their contents, books also offer insight into the times and places of their creation, circulation, and preservation. Consider, for example, the networks of laborers that prepared papyrus from Egyptian plant stems, parchment from various animal hides, paper from hemp, linen, and cotton rags — to say nothing of the global resources necessary for the design, manufacture, and distribution of modern e-readers and smartphones. Through presentations and hands-on exploration of our own collections, this program surveys the world of “book history,” illuminating the study of books through attention to the processes of manufacture (medieval scriptoria and printing presses), the physical traces of previous readers (marginalia), and, of course, the aspirations of authors — like the first century B.C. Roman poet Horace, who claimed his poems would outlive the pyramids. 

The program will also see the book through to the 21st century, a time when digital innovation — and AI — have changed reading experiences forever. This program falls during the yearlong celebration of the 250th anniversary of the University Library. Participants will have opportunities to explore the treasures of Special Collections and Archives and learn more about the history of one of the oldest libraries in the country.

Program Cost: $500 per person
On-campus Housing (private room in dormitory setting): $75 per person
Request to be notified when registration opens