National Book Day

Open book revealing a whimsical, enchanted forest with fairies, wearing a cozy sweater, autumn fashion, surrounded by falling leaves.. — National book day illustration

When you open a book, you don't just uncover a story, but a whole new world. It's as if you've found a hidden portal in your hands! But did you know that there's an official day for sweeping the dust off that old bookshelf and plunging into your favourite tales once more? Welcome to our feature on National Book Day!

When is Book Day?

It's national book day on the 3rd March.

The History of National Book Day

While a pen might be mightier than a sword, a book can embark you on a thousand adventures, teach you a million things, and change your life in ways uncountable. A day dedicated to celebrate such a potent weapon of enlightenment and entertainment, is indeed, well deserved! Through the annals of the internet, we discovered that National Book Day, deservedly, gathered significant attention, receiving a whopping 6303 mentions online! This surge was truly seen on March 03, 2016. That’s quite a horse race, but instead of watching horses, people were engrossed in their favourite paperbacks and hardcovers!

Celebrating National Book Day

So what can you do to celebrate National Book Day? We suggest trotting off to the nearest bookstore and getting lost among the tales there. Or, how about organizing a fun book swap party with your friends? It’s like a potluck, but instead of bringing food, everyone brings their favourite book. But hey, no harm in including some snacks, books and snacks make a great combo, you know!

Books: A Treasure Trove

A good book is the treasure chest of wisdom. When you read, you do not just turn paper pages; rather, you embark on an intellectual odyssey wherein you explore different perspectives and cultures. So this National Book Day, why not try something outside your usual genre? Maybe soak in some romance or an autobiography instead of science fiction, Who knows, you might just uncover another world that you love!

History behind the term 'Book'

2400 BCE

Cuneiform Beginnings

In ancient Mesopotamia, civilization bloomed, and with it came the need for written records. Around 2400 BCE, Sumerians created cuneiform tablets, some of the earliest examples of written texts. These clay tablets served as a precursor to the modern book, providing a medium for recording stories, laws, and historical events.

2nd Century BCE

The Papyrus Scrolls

The ancient Egyptians revolutionized the concept of a book by introducing the papyrus scroll. Made from the papyrus plant, these scrolls were crafted by attaching strips of the plant material to create a continuous writing surface. Egyptians used papyrus scrolls to record literature, rituals, and religious texts.

105 CE

The Codex Appears

In the Roman Empire, a monumental development in the history of the book took place with the emergence of the codex. The codex was a precursor to today's bound books and replaced the ancient scroll format. Consisting of bound pages made of parchment or vellum, the codex was easier to use, store, and transport.

15th Century

The Printing Press Revolution

The invention of the printing press by Johannes Gutenberg in the 15th century brought about a book revolution. Through the mechanized process of moveable type, books became more accessible and affordable, catalyzing the spread of knowledge and ideas. This pivotal moment in history laid the foundation for the tremendous growth of book publishing.

19th Century

Industrial Age Publishing

During the 19th century, the Industrial Revolution transformed the book industry. Technological advancements led to the mass production of books, making them more affordable and widespread. Improved printing techniques, such as steam-powered presses and linotype machines, revolutionized the speed and efficiency of book production.

20th Century

The Rise of Paperbacks

In the 20th century, paperbacks gained popularity, providing a more affordable alternative to hardcover books. Pocket-sized and lightweight, paperbacks emerged as a practical option for readers on the go. Their lower cost and accessibility contributed to a surge in reading and broadened the book market.

21st Century

Digital Age and E-books

With the advent of digital technology, the 21st century witnessed the rise of electronic books, also known as e-books. E-books allow readers to access a vast library of texts through devices like e-readers, tablets, and smartphones. This digital revolution transformed the way books are consumed, offering convenience, portability, and increased accessibility.

Did you know?

Did you know that the oldest known book is more than 2600 years old? The Etruscan Gold Book, uncovered in 1952, is made from 24-karat gold and is still readable today, despite being thousands of years old!