Is the end of the book near? Microsoft CEO Steve Ballmer boldy claims in his talk with the Washington Post that “In the next 10 years, the whole world of media, communications and advertising are going to be turned upside down” and there will be “no media consumption left in 10 years that is not delivered over an IP network.” Though talking particularly about newspapers and magazines there are many who would include the future of the book in his assessment. While I agree that newspapers in there current state are doomed, magazines less so, the book will continue its reign as a premier mode of content delivery. Yes, there is a good possibility that most book content will be available digitally in the next 10 years but this will simply be a complement to the printed book not a replacement.
Before we continue with the funeral arrangements Joyce at Bibliophile Bullpen reminds us that printed book is most enduring media element in the history of mankind.
Here is how it stacks up:
CD-ROMs are estimated to last from 30 to 200 years.
CD-Rs, before they are recorded, have an estimated shelf life of five to ten years.
CD-Rs, after recording, estimated 70 to 200 years.
CD-RWs are expected to last at least 30 years.
Photo CDs have an expected life of over 100 years.
Magnetic tape has a life of 30 to 100 years
Hard drives expected to last 114 to 170 years
A vinyl record has a life span of 100 years
Solid state drives last about 145 Years
while The Archimedes Palimpsest, written on parchment in the codex form, has survived since the second half of the tenth century!
For a comprehensive look at how the codex is evolving in today’s world there is the newly published 500 Handmade Books : Inspiring Interpretations of a Timeless Form from Lark Books.
500 Handmade Books is a visual journey through the world of contemporary book arts. The only requirement is for each piece to “function like a book.” The books were chosen by Steve Miller who studied under legendary book artist and teacher Walter Hamady and teaches in the book arts program at the University of Alabama in Tuscaloosa. The book is a stunning testament to the book form and to the artists who continue to find in the book a means to communicate.
Book Details:
500 Handmade Books: Inspiring Interpretations of a Timeless Form. New York: Lark Books, 2008. First Edition. 8″ X 8″. 419pp. Pictorial french-fold wraps. Illustrated in color. $24.95
Book available here