Reluctant Capitalists: Bookselling and the Culture of Consumption

by Laura J. Miller

Book Overview

Over the past half-century, bookselling, like many retail industries, has evolved from an arena dominated by independent bookstores to one in which chain stores have significant market share. And as in other areas of retail, this transformation has often been a less-than-smooth process. This has been especially pronounced in bookselling, argues Laura J. Miller, because more than most other consumer goods, books are the focus of passionate debate...

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0226525910
• ISBN13: 9780226525914
• Release Date: May 2007
• Publisher: University of Chicago Press
• Length: 328 Pages
• Weight: 1.05 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.7" x 6.2" x 8.9"

Customer Reviews

Highly recommended for booklovers concerned about the "bookstore wars"

Booklovers who wouldn't usually be inclined to read something about the bookselling industry will appreciate this detailed account of the business, particularly in light of the ongoing -- and often ruinous -- competition between independent bookstores, the mega-chains, the "big box" retailers and the online giants.

A very interesting view

The author looks a bookselling and especially book buying from a very sophisticated standpoint taking many economic, social, and cultural factors into account. The idea that the book both is and isn't a commodity like any other is examined up down and sideways. One interesting point: the rise of giants Borders and Barnes and Noble has made buying a book an entertainment experience (e.g., people go on dates at Borders!).

A history of the contested practice of selling books

Reluctant Capitalists: Bookselling And The Culture Of Consumption holds the ability to appeal beyond the usual business reader, moving into the realm of book enthusiasts and booksellers alike. Book buyers often reject chain stores and consider any association between books and mass marketing unacceptable: so why is it that other chains have gained wide popularity while the chain bookstore's image struggles? Reluctant Capitalists examines this phenomenon, providing a history of the contested practice of selling books and surveying the rise of chains, mega-chains, and standing conflicts between chains and the small bookseller. Ideals and politics as well as book-buying habits and choices are analyzed in chapters which interview both book reader and major industry players.