The broad scope of the
publishing economy presented in each chapter is counterpointed
by the fine detail of individual struggles to surmount
the challenges of publishing in a country moving from
the centre to the margins of a global industry. In fascinating
detail, volume 4 of The Edinburgh History of the Book
recounts the transformation in Scotland's publishing
and literary fortunes from 1880 to 2000.
Cairns Craig,
University of Aberdeen
Lucidly
written and theoretically astute, its overview essays
are balanced by engaging studies of specific features
ranging from paper mills to Harry Potter. The authors
and editors are to be congratulated for this foundational
contribution to the cultural history of Scotland and
to book history worldwide.
Carole Gerson,
Simon Fraser University
IN THIS VOLUME
a range of distinguished contributors provide an original
analysis of the book in Scotland during a period that
has been until now greatly under-researched and little
understood.
The issues
covered by this volume include the professionalisation
of publishing, its scale, technological developments,
the role of the state, including the library service,
the institutional structure of the book in Scotland,
industrial relations, union activity and organisation,
women and the Scottish book, and the economics of publishing.
Separate chapters
cover Scottish publishing and literary culture, publishing
genres, the art of print culture, distribution, and
authors and readers. The volume also includes an innovative
use of illustrative case studies.
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