Angus & Robertson and the British Trade in Australian Books, 1930–1970: The Getting of Bookselling Wisdom (Anthem Australian Humanities Research Series)

'Angus et Robertson and the British Trade in Australian Books, 1930-1970' traces the history of the printed book in Australia, particularly the production and business context that mediated Australia's literary and cultural ties to Britain for much of the twentieth century. This study focuses on the London operations of one of Australia's premier book publishers of the twentieth century: Angus et Robertson. The book argues that despite the obvious limitations of a British-dominated market, Australian publishers had room to manoeuvre in it. It questions the ways in which Angus et Robertson replicated, challenged or transformed the often highly criticised commercial practices of British publishers in order to develop an export trade for Australian books in the United Kingdom. This book is the answer to the current void in the literary market for a substantial history of Australia's largest publisher and its role in the development of Australia's export book trade Despite upheavals in ownership over the past three decades, the name Angus & Robertson remains to date the most recognised book-retailing brand in Australia. However, it is little known that through the incredible efforts of everyone involved in the operations of its London agency, Angus & Robertson was, for a time, also the most recognised Australian bookselling and book publishing brand in the commonwealth. This book documents a distinctive chapter in the history of Australian book publishing as it addresses how the company dealt with the tension between aspirational literary nationalism and the requirements of turning a profit while attempting to get inside the UK literary market. As well as detailing Angus & Robertson’s complete international relations, the book argues that the company’s international business was a much larger, more successful and complicated business than has been acknowledged by previous scholars. It questions the ways in which Angus & Robertson replicated, challenged or transformed the often highly criticised commercial practices of British publishers in order to develop an export trade for Australian books in the United Kingdom. ‘Angus & Robertson and the British Trade in Australian Books, 1930–1970’ is the first of its kind; no other book in the present literary market records a substantial history of Australia’s largest publisher and its role in the development of Australia’s export book trade. Although a unique piece, this volume also complements existing studies on Angus & Robertson, Australian literature and Australian publishing. The Company That Loved Australian Books -- The Overseas Books In Australian Publishing History -- Triangles Of Publishing And Other Stories -- The World Is Made Of Paper Restrictions -- The First Salesman In London -- The Getting Of Bookselling Wisdom -- Preparing For 'operation London' -- The Shiralee In The North -- A Commercial And Cultural Relationship -- Tomorrow, When London Publishing Ended -- A House Is Rebuilt -- The Hidden Parts Of Publishing Fortune -- Learning From A Distance. Jason D. Ensor. Includes Bibliographical References (pages [229]-240) And Index. "This volume details the history of Australia's oldest and most nationally iconic publishing firm, Angus & Robertson, and its long-term investment in establishing and maintaining a viable commercial arm in London from 1930 to 1970"--Provided by publisher