An intelligent analysis of contemporary forms of book publication.
For a long period of time, the printed book was undisputedly seen as the most important organ of research in the humanities. However, in recent years a whole range of media, values and practices has been set into motion. Meanwhile, with the possibilities offered by digital research and communication and the demands for the standardisation of publications, the writing and printing of books almost seems like an anachronism with a limited lifespan.
The criticism of the printed book reveals an element of cultural critique that associates its unease related to the present with an exaggerated expectation of the technical possibilities available via digitalisation. Instead of focusing on the various paper thicknesses and strengths of digital representation available, and asking where possible synergies might lie, a competitive contrast is drawn between the two, demanding an immediate decision.
In his new book, Michael Hagner combines his analysis of the digital cultural critique of the printed book with a thorough examination of Open Access. In this way, he investigates the very phenomenon that bears some of the responsibility for the contemporary crisis of the book: the excessive supply of scientific literature.
Michael Hagner, born in 1960, is a professor of science studies at the ETH Zurich. Publications include: Der Geist bei der Arbeit. Historische Untersuchungen zur Hirnforschung (The Mind at Work. Historical Studies on Brain Research, 2006); Geniale Gehirne. Zur Geschichte der Elitegehirnforschung (Brilliant Brains. The History of Elite Brain Research, 2004).
