This irreverant analysis of the book industry argues that the best way to study books is not to take them too seriously. It explores the history of the book, from the days when monks laboriously hand-copied texts to the modern consumer-driven market, and looks at all aspects on the contemporary book industry, including writing, marketing, promoting, reviewing, ghostwriting and collecting. The author offers a humorous inside look at the history and business of book reviewing and offers advice on aspects publishing industry ettiquette, including book parties and jacket photos.