Just what goes into the making of a book?

Keith Houston takes us to the courts of ancient China where Paper, as we know it today, finds its origins.

This is an exploration behind the elements that go into the creation of one of life's most powerful and precious objects - 'The Book'.

From the creation of parchment and paper to the the materials that we use now, this is a delightful dip into the long and often surprising history of one of the world's most important information technologies.

Read by Deborah Findlay

Abridged by Libby Spurrier.

Producer: Celia de Wolff

A Pier production for BBC Radio 4, first broadcast in May 2018. Show less