The “History of the Book and Libraries” course in the second semester explores the key concepts and analytical tools used to assess the evolution of books and libraries, both within the Greek historical and cultural context and on a global scale. It examines major milestones, phases, and technological advancements in book production, tracing the historical progression of writing surfaces—from papyrus to parchment and later to paper—culminating in the emergence of the modern book with the invention of the printing press.
Taking an interdisciplinary approach, the course also investigates the role of libraries from antiquity to the present, highlighting their long-standing function as both public and private spaces for the preservation and dissemination of knowledge and culture throughout history. Lectures compare international developments with the Greek cultural landscape, analyzing the evolution of Greek typography, publishing activity, and the role of libraries across different historical periods. This exploration will be closely tied to the sociopolitical transformations of the past five centuries, which have shaped these developments in both positive and negative ways.