Description
Book SynopsisTraces the development of the American book trade from the colonial era through the twentieth century. Explores the technological, historical, cultural, political, and personal forces that shaped the trade, paying particular attention to the contributions of the German bookseller Frederick Leypoldt and his journal Publishers Weekly.
Trade Review“This well-researched title will attract literary historians, particularly fans of early American history because of the connections Hruschka makes between British literature and the mindset of the New World settlers. . . . The book will also appeal to readers whose careers touch the book industry intimately; it will engage publishers and printers with its discussion of early copyright and book manufacturing technologies. Librarians will also be attracted by the story surrounding some of their own core trade publications, including Publishers Weekly and Library Journal.”
—Angela Colmenares Journal of American Culture
Table of ContentsContents
Preface
Acknowledgments
List of Abbreviations
1 Creating New Worlds
2 Inventing America in the English Book Trade
3 Creating Book Trades in English America
4 Creating German Books in the New World
5 Re-creating the London Book Trade in the United States
6 Revolutions in American Book Production Technology
7 Transplanting the German Book Trade to the United States
8 The Evolution of the American Book Business
9 Becoming a German Bookseller in the United States
10 Creating a German Bookstore in Philadelphia
11 The Evolution of an American Publisher
12 Creating an Independent American Publisher
13 Imposing Order on the American Book Trade
14 Creating the Office of Publishers’ Weekly
15 Celebrating the Book Trade in the New World
16 The End of the Beginning
17 Inventing the Future American Book Trade
Notes
Index
