Final answer:
Lithography is the most common printmaking process in textbooks, utilizing the oil-and-water-repellent nature of materials to transfer images from a stone or metal plate to paper.
Step-by-step explanation:
The most prevalent printmaking technique employed in books, particularly textbooks, is lithography. Lithography entails the creation of images on a stone or metal plate using a grease pen, and subsequent use of acid to etch specific areas. Fundamental to this process is the principle that oil and water repel each other. When the plate is wetted, the ink adheres solely to the drawn and etched areas.
Upon pressing the plate and paper together, the image transfers onto the paper. Lithography is highly favored for its capacity to efficiently produce high-quality, detailed images. This makes it an ideal method for printing both text and illustrations in books, contributing to the visually rich and informative nature of textbooks through its ability to reproduce intricate and precise visuals.