The Edinburgh History of the Book in Scotland, v. 4 - Professionalism and Diversity 1880-2000 (Hardcover)

Whether in the creation of early manuscripts, in the formation of libraries, through fine printing, or the development of mass media, Scotland's contributions to the history of the book, both within the nation and beyond its boundaries, have been remarkable.
Published in four volumes, The Edinburgh History of the Book in Scotland brings together the work of leading scholars in order to investigate the history of the Scottish book from earliest times to the present.
The Edinburgh History of the Book in Scotland
Volume 4: Professionalism and Diversity 1880-2000
Edited by David Finkelstein and Alistair McCleery
'Much more than just an account of how books were physically produced in and commercially distributed from Scotland, this volume explains the interaction of Scottish writers with their publishers and the changing media environment in which both publishers and writers have had to operate. 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, Director of the AHRC Centre for Irish and Scottish Studies at the University of Aberdeen
'Volume Four of The Edinburgh History of the Book in Scotland presents a deeply researched and inclusive account of Scottish publishing, reading, and writing through a period that saw major shifts in the country's role in the international world of print. Lucidly writtenand 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, editor of volume 3 of History of the Book in Canada
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.