Before 2015, Pradeep Sebastian was a comfortable reader, a far cry from the impatiently awaiting email notifications of the dedicated book collector. Things, however, took a dramatic turn when he came across fine press books. Letterpress books' tactile elegance and beautiful typography immediately captured his attention because they were printed on a handpress using metal type that was pressed into damp handmade paper. There was no turning around. The author describes his rewarding experience of collecting fine books online, his newfound love for contemporary calligraphy and illuminated manuscripts, and his discovery of the masters of bookmaking, such as the cloistered nuns who produced flawless fine press books or the well-known printer who resided in a small apartment at a YMCA and kept his hand press tucked under his bed. His narrative is written in an engaging style. Peppered with vivid anecdotes and delightful conversations, The Book Beautiful is as much about the love for fine books as it is about the pleasures of bibliophily ? the camaraderie between fellow collectors and dealers, bibliographic connoisseurship, the thrill of the chase, and the joy of striking a juicy bargain.