Readers in a Revolution
Bibliographical Change in the Nineteenth Century

This book traces a revolution in values that transformed nineteenth-century attitudes to second-hand books, bibliography and collecting.

David McKitterick (Author)

9781009200844, Cambridge University Press

Hardback, published 30 June 2022

446 pages
25.1 x 17.6 x 2.6 cm, 0.99 kg

'In this erudite, wide-ranging book David McKitterick examines the evolution of bibliographical study in the nineteenth century … McKitterick's narrative fruitfully extends beyond national concerns.' A.S.G. Edwards, Times Literary Supplement

The mid-nineteenth century brought a revolution in popular and scholarly understandings of old and second-hand books. Manuals introduced new ideas and practices to increasing numbers of collectors, exhibitions offered opportunities previously unheard of, and scholars worked together to transform how the history of printing was understood. These dramatic changes would have profound consequences for bibliographical study and collecting, accompanied as they were by a proliferation in means of access. Many ideas arising during this time would even continue to exert their influence in the digitised arena of today. This book traces this revolution to its roots in commercial and personal ties between key players in England, France and beyond, illuminating how exhibitions, libraries, booksellers, scholars and popular writers all contributed to the modern world of book studies. For students and researchers, it offers an invaluable means of orientation in a field now once again undergoing deep and wide-ranging transformations.

1. Introduction
2. Re-shaping the world
3. Books in abundance
4. Celebrating print: Libraries
5. Access: National Collections
6. The British Museum Commission, 1847-50
7. Libraries in confusion
8. Collaboration: Trading and Collecting
9. The trade in second-hand books
10. Private collectors and the public: Books in Detail
11. Writing in books
12. Bookbinding: Books on Show
13. Reproduction
14. Exhibitions: Another Generation
15. Changes in direction
16. Advice and guidance
17. Standing back
18. The next generation
Conclusion
19. Then and now.

Subject Areas: Publishing industry & book trade [KNTP], Literary studies: from c 1900 - [DSBH]