Literature and Capital

Thomas Docherty's Literature and Capital explores the economic history of literary culture and its institutions, showing how it has resisted and become complicit with exploitative economic notions of value.

Format: Hardback
Length: 280 pages
Publication date: 06 September 2018
Publisher: Bloomsbury Publishing PLC

In his groundbreaking new book, "Literature and Capital: A New Economic History of Literary Culture and Its Institutions in the Modern Age," Thomas Docherty delves into a comprehensive exploration of the multifaceted relationship between literature and economic forces. Spanning from the early modern era of literary patronage to the colonial exploitations of the 18th and 19th centuries, and culminating in the institutionalization of "literature" within the neoliberal university of the 21st century, this insightful work offers a profound analysis of the evolving dynamics between literary culture and exploitative economic notions of value.

Drawing upon the rich insights of economic and political thinkers like Thomas Piketty, Naomi Klein, Edward Said, and Raymond Williams, Docherty's book provides a rich tapestry of readings from a diverse range of canonical authors, encompassing Shakespeare, Donne, Swift, Tolstoy, Woolf, and Ishiguro. Through these diverse literary works, he sheds light on the complex ways in which literary culture has both resisted and become entangled with the dominant economic paradigms of our time.

One of the central themes of "Literature and Capital" is the notion of literary value as a commodity. Docherty argues that the commercialization of literature has had a profound impact on its production, distribution, and consumption. He explores how the market-driven forces of capitalism have shaped the way in which authors write, publish, and promote their work, often at the expense of artistic integrity and social relevance.

Furthermore, the book delves into the historical and cultural factors that have contributed to the commodification of literature. Docherty examines how the rise of print culture in the 16th century facilitated the widespread dissemination of literature, leading to the emergence of a literary market that was driven by demand and profit. He also explores how the advent of copyright laws in the 18th century further solidified the control of publishers and authors over their work, further marginalizing independent and marginalized voices.

However, "Literature and Capital" is not merely a critique of the commodification of literature. Docherty also offers a vision for a more democratic and inclusive literary culture that can resist the pressures of economic exploitation. He advocates for a shift towards a more decentralized and collaborative model of literary production, where authors and readers are more actively engaged in the creation and dissemination of literature.

To achieve this, Docherty suggests a range of strategies, including the promotion of public libraries, the expansion of digital access to literature, and the support of independent publishers and writers. He also calls for a greater recognition of the social and cultural value of literature, which can help to counterbalance the commercialization of the literary industry and promote a more diverse and inclusive literary landscape.

In conclusion, "Literature and Capital: A New Economic History of Literary Culture and Its Institutions in the Modern Age" is a thought-provoking and indispensable work that offers a comprehensive exploration of the complex relationship between literature and economic forces. Through his insightful analysis and compelling arguments, Thomas Docherty provides a valuable contribution to our understanding of the historical and cultural dynamics that have shaped the production, distribution, and consumption of literature in the modern age. This book is a must-read for anyone interested in the intersection of literature, economics, and social change.

Weight: 502g
Dimension: 149 x 223 x 18 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781350064645