1. Ancient Bibles

The British Library in London is home to 14 million books, on shelves that stretch over 600km. Extraordinary vessels of ideas and knowledge, they testify to the love affair we have with books. This series explores the enduring appeal and importance of books from a 4th century bible to present day paperbacks.

3. Illustrated Wonderlands

The Victorians were masters of illustrated books, especially for children. Thanks to an emerging middle class readership, new printing technology and a sentimentalised regard for childhood, fairy tales and fantasy fiction containing words and pictures grew into an established genre.

4. Paperback Writer

The paperback book democratized reading in the 20th century, and printing directly onto the covers became a way of selling a book in the mass market.