Merchants of Culture - The Publishing Business in the Twenty-First Century

"For nearly five centuries, the world of book publishing remained largely static. But at the dawn of the twenty-first century, the industry faces a combination of economic pressures and technological change that is forcing publishers to alter their practices and think hard about the future of the book. John Thompson's riveting account dissects the roles of publishers, agents, and booksellers in the United States and Britain, charting their transformation since the 1960s. Offering an in-depth analysis of how the digital revolution is changing the game today, Merchants of Culture is the one book that anyone with a stake in the industry needs to read."--Publisher's description.

List of contents

Preface to the Second Edition vi
Preface to the First Edition viii
Introduction 1
1 The Growth of the Retail Chains 26
2 The Rise of Literary Agents 59
3 The Emergence of Publishing Corporations 101
4 The Polarization of the Field 147
5 Big Books 188
6 Extreme Publishing 223
7 Shrinking Windows 238
8 The Wild West 292
9 The Digital Revolution 313
10 Trouble in the Trade 377
Conclusion: Facing an Uncertain Future 403
Appendix 1 Selected Imprints of the Main Publishing Corporations 410
Appendix 2 Note on Research Methods 415
Bibliography 425
Index 430

About the author

John Thompson is professor of sociology at Jesus College, University of Cambridge.

Summary

These are turbulent times in the world of book publishing. For nearly five centuries the methods and practices of book publishing remained largely unchanged, but at the dawn of the twenty-first century the industry finds itself faced with perhaps the greatest challenges since Gutenberg.

Product details

• Authors: J.b Thompson, John B Thompson, John B. Thompson, John B. (University of Cambridge Thompson
• Publisher: Polity Press
• Languages: English
• Product format: Hardback
• Released: 13.12.2013
• EAN: 9780745663616
• ISBN: 978-0-7456-6361-6
• No. of pages: 456
• Subjects: Social sciences, law, business > Social sciences (general); SOCIAL SCIENCE / Media Studies, LANGUAGE ARTS & DISCIPLINES / Communication Studies, BUSINESS & ECONOMICS / Industries / Media & Communications, 21st century, c 2000 to c 2100, United Kingdom, Great Britain, Communication Studies, Publishing industry & book trade, Publishing and book trade