…The essays, written by scholars in the fields of English, history, languages, and cultural studies, share a common theme of relating how key cultural events and changes are linked to what people read in any given period of time. The chapters share a standard format: a chronology, a historical introduction, and an overview of reading trends and practices, followed by an examination of several specific trends and texts. Each chapter closes with a list of recommended readings. Although other works have examined the history of reading in particular cultures or at particular times, presently this is the most comprehensive work on the subject, and as such, is certain to be an indispensable addition to any academic collection. Essential. Upper-level undergraduates through faculty/researchers.

Choice

A Cultural History of Reading explores what people have read--and why--around the globe from 'before the common era' to the present. This two-volume set is divided geographically. Volume 1 covers the Americas (excepting the United States); Europe and Britain; Asia and the Pacific; South Asia and the Indian Subcontinent; and Africa and the Middle East. Chapters within these five sections are arranged topically or chronologically. Volume 2, also arranged chronologically, deals with the United States. The essays, written by scholars in the fields of English, history, languages, and cultural studies, share a common theme of relating how key cultural events and changes are linked to what people read in any given period of time. The chapters share a standard format: a chronology, a historical introduction, and an overview of reading trends and practices, followed by an examination of several specific trends and texts. Each chapter closes with a list of recommended readings…. this is the most comprehensive work on the subject, and as such, is certain to be an indispensable addition to any academic library collection. Summing Up: Essential. Upper-level undergraduates through faculty/researchers.

Choice

Though book-loving browsers will find countless fascinating facts here, the work is best suited to those who need in-depth information on literary works and authors, and those taking Advanced Placement history classes. …Well executed, thorough, and enjoyable.

School Library Journal

In a series of concise entries that span Europe, the Americas, Oceania, Asia and Africa, we are reminded that what we read creates and recreates us. In the first volume the contributors describe the growth of literature and the development of reading in the US, Canada, Mexico, Central and South America, Russia, the Mid-East, imperial and postimperial China, Britain, and Europe, with sections covering ancient Greece, early Christianity, the medieval period, the Renaissance, the early modern period, the Enlightenment, the era of empire and colonialism, modernism and postmodernism. In the second volume contributors concentrate on American literature, focusing on settlement, the development of national identity, slavery and civil war, the world wars and the period between them, the collide of cultures and the rise of a new, uncertain century. The result is an able description of literary trajectory and a cogent analysis of readership and its effects.

Reference & Research Book News

Greenwood's Cultural History of Reading offers a fascinating picture of what people in different nations and at different times have read, and how their reading in turned helped shape their cultures. . . . Those interested in publishing history, the history of the book, and in all genres of literature will benefit from the concise accounts of reading habits around the world and throughout time. This set is highly recommended for academic and large public libraries supporting a strong collection in literature and world history.

Oklahoma Librarian

The layout is extremely clear, with helpful illustrations and a timeline at the beginning of each section to indicate key historical and cultural events in that particular locality. There are useful notes for further reading of both primary and secondary sources. . . . The essays would provide useful overviews to students of literature and social history. . .

Reference Reviews