This is an auction for THE BUSINESS OF BOOKS by Andre Schiffrin.

Subtitled "How International Conglomerates Took Over Publishing and Changed the Way We Read".

"Schiffrin quit his post as head of Random House's Pantheon imprint in a blaze of publicity 10 years ago, complaining that the publisher's new management wanted to trim his list severely, removing from it many of the socially conscious titles he was proud to publish. He went on to found and run the New Press, which has continued to do many of the kinds of books that Schiffrin insists should be published, but which he claims have increasingly been abandoned by big commercial houses. In this pithy treatise Schiffrin forcefully argues that publishing only for immediate commercial return is not only economically short-sighted but culturally disastrous. Without being unduly nostalgic for the "good old days," he insists that big American publishers used to offer lists that were much better balanced between popular entertainment and social and political commentary than they are today. He argues that the attempt to appeal to the lowest common denominator of taste - which has, he says, led network television and movies in such depressing directions - has dumbed down publishing to an alarming degree, robbing it of much of its standing as a vehicle for the expression of significant ideas and outlooks that may not have instant appeal. Whether the increasing use of the Internet for publishing will prove to expand this more enlightened mission remains to be seen, but based on past experience with the urgencies of the profit motive, Schiffrin is not optimistic.

• Publishers Weekly (US)

Very favourable reviews on Amazon.com.

Paperback 2001.

178 pages.

Highlighting in some places towards the back of the book. Otherwise, very good condition.

The cost of shipping is $4.95.

There is of course no charge for shipping if you collect this book from my shop in Palmerston North following the auction.

Payment within seven days, please.