Books for Idle Hours

Books for Idle Hours
Author :
Publisher : UMass + ORM
Total Pages : 291
Release :
ISBN-10 : 9781613766316
ISBN-13 : 1613766319
Rating : 4/5 (16 Downloads)

Book Synopsis Books for Idle Hours by : Donna Harrington-Lueker

Download or read book Books for Idle Hours written by Donna Harrington-Lueker and published by UMass + ORM. This book was released on 2019-08-30 with total page 291 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: 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.


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