Speaking about books, is speaking about
humanity, its culture and progress. It''s invention has contributed to the
expression, spreading and defense of knowledge and thinking throughout the centuries. Different methods have permmited these
cultural works to be transmited and preserved throughout the time. In this way, according to each culture and epoch, different supports to the culture have been seen. First, it was on stone and later, on wood boards, clay boards, silk, as well as in linen and canvas (according to the region and time). Papyrus and scrolls were also very used wih that purpose. it was until the
invention of the press, when the consolidation of the book as we know it today started.
The printed Book became a
pillar and soul of the cultural communication. The
advancement of the technology in the areas of information and comunication, have developed big changes in the way we received these publications now. Because of that, today, we can speak about
electronic books or E-books, which have received a huge expansion and distribution during the last years.
The E-book is a publication in
digital format that requires some devices for the purpose of storage and it also requires a software for its reading. When they appeared, the E-books were the digital option of the printed books. The first one was marketed during the 80''s. However, for the begining or the XXI century they had a
tremendous peak in their distribution, distribution with several advantages for the reader as well as for the author and editor. Every day the techniques to improve this devices are renewed. The importance of these advanced devices is the great input that it offers to the
preservation of the treasure of knowledge, knowledge obtained through the generations as a historical, cultural and representative legacy of the human identity and thinking throughout the time.