A History of Booksellers, the Old and the New

"A History of Booksellers, the Old and the New" by Henry Curwen is a historical account written in the late 19th century. This work chronicles the development of the bookselling and publishing industries, exploring the lives of significant figures and firms from ancient times to the modern era. The book aims to shine light on the literary struggles faced by various booksellers and publishers while providing insights into the broader history of literature itself. The opening of the volume sets the tone by contextualizing the early bookselling trade, tracing its roots back to ancient Rome and the work of manuscript copyists. It discusses the evolution of the industry, highlighting how books were once laboriously produced by slaves and the rise of publishing as a structured profession. Curwen emphasizes that the book aims to deliver a focused narrative despite the expansive nature of its subject, and reflects on the challenges and triumphs faced by the tradespeople involved in the history of bookselling. Overall, this introduction serves as a foundational overview, inviting readers into an exploration of the intricate relationship between literature and commerce throughout history.