learning through the study of books rather than from practical experience
bookwork in American English
(ˈbukˌwɜːrk)
noun
1.
work or research that requires studying or reading, as distinguished from laboratory experimentation or the like
2.
bookkeeping or other paperwork necessary to the running of a business
3. Printing
work on books or pamphlets, as distinguished from work on newspapers
Also: book-work
Word origin
[1840–50; book + work; cf. OE bōcweorc study, independently formed from same elements]This word is first recorded in the period 1840–50. Other words that entered Englishat around the same time include: bypass, layout, sensationalism, set piece, warmup