Booktrek gathers Phillpot’s various essays on the definition and development of artists’ books, including historical texts, manifestos, catalogue entries, and essays on works by Ed Ruscha, Sol LeWitt, Dieter Roth, and Richard Long.

Working over the last 40 years as a curator, critic, editor, Board Member (1980–1994) and President of Printed Matter (1992–1993), and as the Director of the Museum of Modern Art Library (1977–1994), Phillpot established himself as one of the world’s leading authorities in the artists’ book field. His writings have been formative in articulating how artists’ publications function as a powerful site for experimental artwork, and have helped to shape a broader interest and understanding of the field.