Bibliograph

The social life of books, reading together in the eighteenth-century home, Abigail Williams

Type

Label

The social life of books, reading together in the eighteenth-century home, Abigail Williams

Language

eng

Bibliography note

Includes bibliographical references (pages 279-340) and index

Illustrations

illustrations

Index

index present

Literary Form

non fiction

Main title

The social life of books

Nature of contents

bibliography

Oclc number

961310989

Responsibility statement

Abigail Williams

Series statement

Lewis Walpole series in eighteenth-century culture and history

Sub title

reading together in the eighteenth-century home

Summary

"A vivid exploration of the evolution of reading as an essential social and domestic activity during the eighteenth century. Two centuries before the advent of radio, television, and motion pictures, books were a cherished form of popular entertainment and an integral component of domestic social life. In this fascinating and vivid history, Abigail Williams explores the ways in which shared reading shaped the lives and literary culture of the time, offering new perspectives on how books have been used by their readers, and the part they have played in middle-class homes and families. Drawing on marginalia, letters and diaries, library catalogues, elocution manuals, subscription lists, and more, Williams offers fresh and fascinating insights into reading, performance, and the history of middle-class home life."--, Provided by publisher

Table Of Contents

Introduction : Home improvements -- How to read -- Reading and sociability -- Using books -- Access to reading -- Verse at home -- Drama and recital -- Fictional worlds -- Piety and knowledge -- Afterword -- Notes -- Index

Classification