The trade in rare books and manuscripts between Britain and America c. 1890-1929 / Danielle Magnusson, Laura Cleaver.

Format:

Book

Author/Creator:

Magnusson, Danielle, author.

Cleaver, Laura, author.

Series:

Cambridge elements. Elements in publishing and book culture, 2514-8524.

Cambridge elements. Elements in publishing and book culture, 2514-8524

Language:

English

Subjects (All):

Book industries and trade--Great Britain--History--19th century.

Book industries and trade.

Book industries and trade--Great Britain--History--20th century.

Book industries and trade--United States--History--19th century.

Book industries and trade--United States--History--20th century.

Manuscripts--Great Britain.

Manuscripts.

Manuscripts--United States.

Rare books--Great Britain.

Rare books.

Rare books--United States.

Physical Description:

1 online resource (99 pages) : digital, PDF file(s).

Edition:

1st ed.

Place of Publication:

Cambridge : Cambridge University Press, 2022.

Summary:

This Element examines the trade in rare books and manuscripts between Britain and America during a period known as the 'Golden Age' of collecting. Through analysis of contemporary press reports, personal correspondence, trade publications and sales records, this study contrasts American and British perspectives as rare books passed through the commercial market. The aim is to compare the rhetoric and reality of the book trade in order to assess its impact on emerging cultural institutions, contemporary scholarship and shifting notions of national identity. By analysing how markets emerged, dealers functioned and buyers navigated the market, this Element interrogates accepted narratives about the ways in which major rare book and manuscript collections were formed and how they were valued by contemporaries.

Contents:

Cover

Title page

Copyright page

The Trade in Rare Books and Manuscripts between Britain and America c. 1890-1929

Contents

Introduction

1 American Perspectives

1.1 Hands across the Sea

1.2 The Dizzy Heights of Dollardom

1.3 The Prince of Book Collectors

1.4 Books and Libraries

1.5 Motivations for Collecting

1.6 Conclusions

2 British Perspectives

2.1 The 'Drain'

2.2 The 'Zest'

2.3 Money Talks

2.4 Conclusions

3 The Book-Brokers

3.1 Cultivating a Market

3.2 Selling Stories

3.3 Practicalities

3.4 A Two-Way Trade

3.5 Conclusions

Conclusion: Constructing Cultural Histories

List of Abbreviations

Select Bibliography

Acknowledgements.

Notes:

Title from publisher's bibliographic system (viewed on 31 Aug 2022).

ISBN:

1-009-08032-6

1-009-08052-0

1-009-07010-X

OCLC:

1341416263