Book

Books for idle hours : nineteenth-century publishing and the rise of summer reading

Harrington-Lueker, Donna, author

Overview

\"The publishing phenomenon of summer reading, often focused on novels set in vacation destinations, started in the nineteenth century, as both print culture and tourist culture expanded in the United States. As an emerging middle class increasingly embraced summer leisure as a marker of social status, book publishers sought new market opportunities, authors discovered a growing readership, and more readers indulged in lighter fare. Drawing on publishing records, book reviews, readers' diaries, and popular novels of the period, Donna Harrington-Lueker explores the beginning of summer reading and the backlash against it. Countering fears about the dangers of leisurely reading--especially for young women--publishers framed summer reading not as a disreputable habit but as a respectable pastime and welcome respite. Books for Idle Hours sheds new light on an ongoing seasonal publishing tradition\"-- Provided by publisher.

• Publisher: University of Massachusetts Press
• Subject: Books and reading United States History 19th century. / Publishers and publishing United States History 19th century. / Leisure United States History 19th century. / Tourism United States History 19th century. / Summer in literature. / Tourism in literature.
• ISBN: 9781625343826, 9781625343833

Item info:

1 item available

1 item total in all locations

Holdings :

Call Number	Copies	Material	Location
Z1003.2.H367 2019	1	BOOK	AUTOSTORE