The book as a symbol of culture: from handwritten codices to digital media

Abstract

The book is not just a medium of information, but a precious part of the cultural heritage that reflects the world view, technological progress and social changes over the centuries. From ancient handwritten books to digital services, it has come a long way in evolution, transforming its physical form but retaining its main purpose – to store and disseminate knowledge. It is like a mirror of humanity, recording its moral values, level of technological development, and methods of communication. From the earliest examples of Sumerian cuneiform tablets to modern digital repositories, each stage of the book's formation is characterized by changes in the methods of its production, distribution, and maintenance. The article analyzes the historical changes of the book, from ancient manuscripts, the Gutenberg printing revolution, and the heyday of mass printing to modern electronic formats. The author highlights the key role of the book in the preservation and transmission of knowledge, as well as its importance in different historical periods, with an emphasis on the impact of technological developments on the formats and uses of books. Special attention is paid to the transformation of material media and their impact on cultural processes. Particular attention is paid to the impact of digital technologies on reading culture, the transformation of libraries, and the problems associated with the durability of digital media. The article explores the interaction between print and digital publications that coexist in the contemporary cultural space, forming new, hybrid forms of book publishing. The issue of copyright, the duration of information storage on media, and changes in reading habits are emphasized. The study emphasizes that the book, regardless of format, remains an integral element of cultural heritage and human civilization, playing a key role in the transfer of knowledge and preservation of cultural identity.