Books for Idle Hours: Nineteenth-Century Publishing and the Rise of Summer Reading

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.

Author: Donna Harrington-Lueker
Publisher: University of Massachusetts Press
Published: 12/12/2018
Pages: 248
Binding Type: Paperback
Weight: 0.85lbs
Size: 8.90h x 5.90w x 0.80d
ISBN13: 9781625343833
ISBN10: 1625343833
BISAC Categories:
- Literary Criticism | Books & Reading
- Social Science | Women's Studies
- Literary Criticism | American | General

About the Author
Donna Harrington-Lueker is professor of English at Salve Regina University.