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This is not just a history book. It is a book that traces the history of its own ancestors with a very specific purpose. It focuses on the book throughout history as a constantly evolving tool for social change and the efficient accomplishment of tasks: as a form of technology. Indeed, at many points in its development, the book has fulfilled the definition of a particular type of technology known as “disruptive technology.”

A disruptive technology is a new technology that transforms, or disrupts, existing technology and unexpectedly becomes the standard.¹ This transitional phase is often slow and complex. The new technology generally emerges unobtrusively and gradually overtakes a related technology. In the meantime, it often encounters resistance from those who are hesitant to accept it as a replacement for the established technology. Ultimately, however, the disruptive technology displaces its precursor and also often increases its accessibility. The term “disruptive innovation” is similar, and applies to an innovation or discovery that changes the market for a particular technology.

When studying the history of the book, we discovered countless examples of both disruptive technology and disruptive innovation, which we have outlined here to be considered. The book’s history is a fascinating subject, and examining it in terms of disruptive technology adds a new dimension to explore. Our goal in writing this book has been to present the history of the book in a new light, providing accurate yet interesting facts and deepening the reader’s understanding of this unassuming object that plays such an important role in societies all around the world.

1. Milan Zeleny, “High Technology and Barriers to Innovation: From Globalization to Relocalization,” International Journal of Information Technology and Decision Making, 1 (2) 441-456. (2012). In his article, Zeleny uses the term “high technology” to refer to this type of technology.