June Miller

June Miller asked Keith Houston:

As you live in London, I am assuming you are British, and therefore I wonder why you used American spelling in "The Book" (my only quibble with it)? Incidentally, although I have just started to read it (bought after hearing you at Writers' Week in Adelaide), I can see it is going to become one of my cherished possessions. What paper is used in the book? I find myself caressing the pages as I read, they are so sleek!

Keith Houston Hi June - thanks for the question, and thanks for coming to Writer's Week!

I'm Scottish, but "The Book" was published by WW Norton, an American publisher, and so the spelling and general style conform to American standards. As for the paper, turn to page 75 and you'll find out everything you need to know!

More Answered Questions

Thiadmer Riemersma

Thiadmer Riemersma asked Keith Houston:

I have only read the first part of "The Book" yet (on papyrus, parchment & paper). The question I have is: given that the production of the paper in Europe/America was slowed by the shortage of linen rags, why then was the production of linen not upscaled (more flax fields etc.)? It appears to me that new linen is equally good as used rags for paper production. Was new linen simple too expensive?

H Lee

H Lee asked Keith Houston:

I am so completely overwhelmed by the amount of information and knowledge you have. "The Book" seems to cover pretty much everything. What does one have to do to know this much stuff? How did you even begin to write about this? "The Book" is the most precious thing I've ever held in my hand. I am reading it very slowly. Very slowly because I need to. And then I go back a few pages and look at the pictures again.

Caelan Brazee

Caelan Brazee asked Keith Houston:

Why did you choose to write about books?

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