Overview

Originally published in 1938, and as a third edition in 1974, this volume presents the results of original research into the economic aspects of the transition from the medieval manuscript to the modern printed book. It discusses the problems of supply of materials and labour created by the introduction of machinery and the growth of the literary market. The social evolution of the printing crafts is portrayed, focussing first upon the Stationers’ Company and later upon the trade union. The book traces the development of the author-printer-publisher relationship, and its bearing on the question of copyright and reviews, inter alia the organisation and price policy of bookselling from the days of legal maximum prices to the net book agreement. The 3rd edition contains sections on Public Lending Right, paperbacks, photo-copying in its relation to publishing and the rise of international publishing. .

Full Product Details

9781032898438

Table of Contents

Reviews

Original Review of The English Book Trade: ‘This is a book which every book-lover should read and from which every economist interested in industrial organisation can cull unending examples of the infinite adaptability of structure to circumstances.’ The Economic Journal

Author Information

Marjorie Plant was Deputy Librarian of the British Library of Politcal and Economic Science at the LSE from 1945 to 1968.

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