"Bibliophiles will be enthralled." — PUBLISHERS WEEKLY "Immensely readable."  — LIBRARY JOURNAL From Gutenberg to Amazon, Michael Castleman’s The Untold Story of Books is the first and only history of publishing told from a veteran author’s point of view. Witty, entertaining, and full of remarkable new insights, it is a deeply researched, fascinating history of the idiosyncratic book business—aimed at authors, aspiring authors, booksellers, industry professionals, and everyone who loves to read books.  Organized into three distinct book businesses, all defined by the evolution of printing, The Untold Story of Books explores how each new book business upended its predecessor, forcing authors, publishers, and booksellers to adapt to ever-changing circumstances. It’s a story full of surprises: why did books become favored Christmas presents? Because of a poem written in 1823. Why is New York the nation’s publishing capital? Because of the Erie Canal. Why are book endorsements called “blurbs”? Because of a satirist’s joke in 1907. And why is copyright often an illusion? Because publishing was founded on book piracy, which today is easier and more rampant than ever.  Arriving at the present day, Castleman paints a compelling portrait of an evolving book business full of new promise and peril. “Castleman presents a sweeping 600-year chronicle of the book business… a rousing account… [with] fascinating detours… Bibliophiles will be enthralled.”  —PUBLISHERS WEEKLY "VERDICT: Immensely readable; will appeal to bibliophiles, fans of microhistories, and armchair sociologists."  —Library Journal “Castleman has created a unique, highly readable title geared toward libraries, authors, book groups, and dedicated, curious readers. It’s delightful the way he relates the history of the technological innovations that have propelled book publishing. Castleman’s concept of the three epochs of publishing works very well. One of my favorite elements is the way he explains the economics of publishing from a writer's point of view. It’s very clear and you don’t have to be a math whiz to follow it. I’ll be telling many people about this book. It’s a tremendous contribution.”  —Laura Lent, retired Chief of Collections, San Francisco Public Library “Entertaining, fascinating, deeply researched, and crisply written,  The Untold Story of Books  is full of surprises. I worked in publishing for thirty years and was amazed how much I learned about the industry. No other book provides such a comprehensive and witty overview. The publishing industry is often shrouded in mystery. This book lifts the veil and provides a fresh, new, compelling perspective. A must-read for authors, aspiring authors, and anyone who loves books.” —Mark Chimsky, former editorial director of Harper San Francisco, former director of trade paperbacks at Little Brown, and former editor-in-chief of the trade paperback division at Macmillan. “Quirky, comprehensive, opinionated, and massively entertaining,  The Untold Story of Books  combines Castleman’s fifty years of bittersweet experience as an author with his vivid, amusing history of book publishing. Castleman beautifully conveys the essence of writing—of creating—today.” —Daniel Ben-Horin, author of  Substantial Justice “ The Untold Story of Books is full of fascinating and entertaining history, most of which was new to me, plus a comprehensive and realistic (if sometimes discouraging) picture of what is happening in book publishing today. Past and present—all informative and enjoyable!” —Gillian Roberts, author of the Amanda Pepper mysteries " The Untold Story of Books is a real page-turner. I loved Castleman’s analysis of book sales in terms of units sold and the money authors earn. And I loved the hilarious anecdotes about book piracy, publisher mergers, and other elements of the book business. As soon as I finished The Untold Story of Books , I started recommending it to writer friends." —Chris Carlsson, former bookseller and author of Hidden San Francisco: A Guide to Lost Landscapes , Unsung Heroes and Radical Histories , and When Shells Crumble "Fascinating, incredibly informative, and humorous, a must read for every writer. Castleman knows the book business like no other author—and explains it to the rest of us. I came away with a new understanding of publishing, the present state of the industry, and the gritty realities that writers have always faced—and still do… Castleman’s writing is riveting! While The Untold Story dissolves delusions of grandeur for most authors, Castleman helps us accept without shame the reality that we should keep our day jobs knowing we’re writing and publishing for the pleasure of the process—and for any readers who discover and enjoy our books." —Jane Sloven, author of the novel Termination of Benefits and Compassionate Journey: Honoring Our Mothers’ Stories "Castleman is frank, personable, and likable. He conveys his experiences as an auth