A Handbook for the Study of Book History in the United States - Softcover

Zboray, Ronald J.; Zboray, Mary Saracino

Softcover

ISBN 10: 0844410152 ISBN 13: 9780844410159

Publisher: Library of Congress, 2000

Synopsis

Encouraging the study of books is a principal aim of the Center for the Book in the Library of Congress. The center was created as a public-private partnership by Congress in 1977 to stimulate public interest in books, reading, and the printed word. In pursuit of this goal, the center sponsors a varied program of projects of interest to scholars and the general public. The preparation of this handbook was suggested by Librarian of Congress James H. Billington. The result is this compact, clearly written introduction to the subject and literature of book history. The importance of the field, according to the Zborays, resides in "a simple fact: in the history of the United States as a nation, books and other print materials are the most prevalent and articulate cultural artifacts." This handbook is an insightful overview and survey which will stimulate further interest in books, reading, and the printed word. The book begins with a Preface by John Y. Cole and is then divided into three major sections: 1) Introduction discussing why book history is important, what the field is about, an overview and history of the field, the questions book historians debate, and how people can participate in book history; 2) How to Locate and Use Sources including How to Begin (general sources and genre-specific sources); Producers (writers' personal and professional papers, literary agents, publishers, printers, other producers, books as artifactual and documentary evidence, and books and the law); and Disseminators (distributors, retailers, aftermarket); and 3) Conclusion: The Future of Book History. There is also an Appendix of Important Periodicals for Book Historians, Suggested Readings, and an Index.

About this edition

• Publisher: Library of Congress
• Publication date: 2000
• ISBN 10: 0844410152
• ISBN 13: 9780844410159
• Binding: Paperback
• Edition number: 1
• Number of pages: 155