Language is what makes us human. Writing or script is its visual representation, language frozen in time. The book is simply the medium carrying that script – initially the stone walls of our ancestor’s caves, later more portable objects – strips of bark, tablets of clay – still later scrolls of papyrus, parchment, or paper, followed in turn by the codex, which reigned supreme for nearly two millennia but which is now increasingly giving way to the computer and the internet.

I’m interested in books of every type that have a specific story to tell as part of the long progression from cave painting to cuneiform tablet to papyrus scroll to medieval codex to Kindle, and I'm dedicated to putting unique digital content - photos and analysis - related to this online via my Twitter account @incunabula. Above all, I'm interested in widening the definition of writing and of the book beyond the usual Western-centric parameters, and embracing the astonishing diversity of the Global Book by giving the written cultures of Asia, Australia, Africa and the indigenous Americas their due too.

This forum has grown out of this effort. The Incunabula Forum is an online meeting place for bibliophiles, book collectors, rare book sellers, librarians, curators and scholars - anyone with a personal or professional interest in the broad world of rare books and manuscripts. If you study, research, collect, sell, or admire rare books, you're welcome here. 

Anyone can read the forum, but to post and join the conversation requires registration, which is straightforward and quick. We have faith in the intelligence, civility and courtesy of our members, and the forum is only lightly moderated. Trolls of any type though will be dealt with ruthlessly and without recourse to appeal. As a courtesy to the other members, we ask you to pay attention to correct spelling and grammar when you post - although allowances will always be made if English is not your first language.