'In this fascinating book, the historian Jean-Yves Mollier highlights the astonishing diversity of roles assumed by booksellers throughout the ages and the continents' Express'Jean-Yves Mollier . . .

traces meticulously the transformations of a profession and a trade recognised now as essential . . .

helping us to understand why bookshops remain dear to the hearts of readers' Le MondeA fascinating exploration of the role of the bookseller through the ages. Across the world and from antiquity to the present day, men and women have enabled authors to disseminate their ideas and knowledge, helping readers to become enriched by their words. Over the centuries, a profession was invented - the bookseller - a role forever renewing to adapt to an ever-changing world.

It is this history of booksellers and bookstores that is traced here. Historian Jean-Yves Mollier guides us through the mysteries of a vital cultural industry that has been at the crossroads between the world of ideas and that of the economy. It is a homage to all booksellers and a book for all book lovers that investigates the twists and turns through time that have led the book into the hands of its reader.

Translated from the French by George Miller.