Henri-Jean Martin byl předním odborníkem na historii knihy v Evropě a expertem na dějiny psaní a tisku. Věnoval se prosazování knihoven ve Francii a studiu jejich historie i historie tisku. Jeho práce se zaměřovala na přechod od rukopisů k tištěným knihám a na dopad tohoto vývoje na společnost. Byl klíčovou postavou v propagaci a studiu knihoven a polygrafie.
The emergence of the book was an event of world historical importance, and heralded the dawning of modernity. This title presents the history of that process, combining technological history, sociology and anthropology, with the study of modes of consciousness to root the development of printing in the ideological struggles of Western Europe.
Henri-Jean Martin delves into the significance of books and the publishing industry in early modern France, examining how they shaped culture and society. His exploration highlights the evolution of reading practices, the impact of print on literacy, and the broader implications for knowledge dissemination during this transformative period. Through a historical lens, Martin reveals the intricate relationship between books and the social dynamics of the time.