The business of books : booksellers and the English book trade, 1450-1850

In 1450 very few English men or women were personally familiar with a book; by 1850, the great majority of people daily encountered books, magazines, or newspapers. This book explores the history of this fundamental transformation, from the arrival of the printing press to the coming of steam. James Raven presents a lively and original account of the English book trade and the printers, booksellers, and entrepreneurs who promoted its development. Viewing print and book culture through the lens of commerce, Raven offers a new interpretation of the genesis of literature and literary commerce in England. He draws on extensive archival sources to reconstruct the successes and failures of those involved in the book trade—a cast of heroes and heroines, villains, and rogues. And, through groundbreaking investigations of neglected aspects of book-trade history, Raven thoroughly revises our understanding of the massive popularization of the book and the dramatic expansion of its markets over the centuries. 00 Prelims 00 01 Chapter 01 02 Chapter 02 03 Chapter 03 04 Chapter 04 05 Chapter 05 06 Chapter 06 07 Chapter 07 08 Chapter 08 09 Chapter 09 10 Chapter 10 11 Chapter 11 12 Chapter 12 13 Chapter 13 14 Notes 14 15 Bibliography 15 16 Index 16 Untitled In 1450 very few English men or women were personally familiar with a book; but by 1850, the great majority of people daily encountered books, magazines, or newspapers. This text explores the history of this fundamental transformation.