We’re happy to announce a new book, edited by Alexander Starre (blog administrator) and Heike Schaefer, one of our associated scholars. The Printed Book in Contemporary American Culture: Medium, Object, Metaphor is now out with Palgrave Macmillan as part of their New Directions in Book History series.
Book abstract: This essay collection explores the cultural functions the printed book performs in the digital age. It examines how the use of and attitude toward the book form have changed in light of the digital transformation of American media culture. Situated at the crossroads of American studies, literary studies, book studies, and media studies, these essays show that a sustained focus on the medial and material formats of literary communication significantly expands our accustomed ways of doing cultural studies. Addressing the changing roles of authors, publishers, and readers while covering multiple bookish formats such as artists’ books, bestselling novels, experimental fiction, and zines, this interdisciplinary volume introduces readers to current transatlantic conversations on the history and future of the printed book.
For a complete table of contents, author info, and order information, visit the publisher’s website.
Book History and Print Culture Network 