This work investigates the historical and psychological phenomenon of bibliophobia, examining the paradoxical fear and rejection of books throughout the history of literacy. Brian Cummings, a scholar of literature and intellectual history, utilizes a wide array of historical texts and cultural artifacts to argue that the rise of the book as a medium has consistently been accompanied by anxieties regarding its influence, accessibility, and potential for social disruption. He frames the history of the book not merely as a progression of technology, but as a series of reactions to the perceived dangers of reading.

Scholars and critics recognize this text as a rigorous contribution to the field of book history and media studies. Readers frequently note the academic density of the prose, which is best suited for those with a background in literary theory or intellectual history.