In the competition with modern digital media, the book has commanded the attention of a wider public as a medium with its specific advantages and communicative achievements. This collected volume presents the findings of research into the book, institutions and associations concerned with expert communication, concepts of teaching in book studies, bibliophile societies and research libraries. Over 40 renowned scholars have collaborated to provide a handbook giving an overview of research into book studies in Germany which will not only appeal to experts in the field but will also be of interest to the historical neighbouring disciplines of cultural and media studies.