Embark on a captivating journey through the ages with Shelf Life, a meticulously crafted exploration of bookselling and publishing spanning two millennia. This engaging narrative, designed for book lovers of all kinds, unveils the resilience and innovation of key figures who shaped the literary landscape. From the pioneering days of William Caxton to the contemporary influence of Jeff Bezos, the book chronicles the stories of those who transformed the world of books. As the narrative navigates the ever-evolving terrain of book retail, it delves into the seismic changes of the past forty years and reflects on the current state of the industry. Shelf Life not only chronicles the past but also looks ahead, offering insights into the challenges and future possibilities for publishing and bookselling in the twenty-first century. A must-read for anyone passionate about books, bookshops, and the enduring legacy of the written word. AUTHOR: Michael Robb, a stalwart figure in the bookselling and publishing arena, has experienced first-hand the shifting tides of this well-loved industry over the past 40 years. From successfully running an independent bookshop in Essex for two decades, to transitioning into the publishing domain, his broad network within the book trade gives him a unique insight to the world of books. 30 b/w illustrations