Taylor Publishing

BY ERIK CAGLE Imagine laying on the beach with a blanket, some sunblock, an umbrella—and the laptop computer cued to the latest book by your favorite author. Too futuristic sounding to be taken seriously? That future may not be as far away as you think. Most people still would not want to get sand in their keyboard, or curl up in bed or next to a fireplace with a good PC, which indicates that the health of the printed book is not in immediate danger. "As long as we have the three "Bs"—the bedroom, bathroom and the beach—the traditional book will remain," laughs Jerry

BY ERIK CAGLE School's in session and book printers large and small couldn't be happier. The year 1998 will be remembered for a number of things in the book printing industry, such as the consolidation in both the publishing and manufacturing realms. Despite this M&A activity, the elementary/high school market, along with college level and juvenile books, propelled the industry. Even the trade market, with best sellers and Oprah Winfrey touting its virtues, couldn't steal the el-hi/college thunder. Top 10 Book Printers CompanySegmentSales(millions)Total Sales(millions)1R.R. Donnelley & SonsChicago$776.00$4,850.002Quebecor PrintingMontreal$522.00$3,480.00 3Banta Corp. Menasha, WI$240.00$1,200.004World Color PressGreenwich, CT$220.00$2,000.005Bertelsmann Industries U.S. Berryville, VA$163.30$230.00 6Golden Books PublishingSturtevant, WI$160.00$200.007Courier Corp.North Chelmsford,