The Idea of the Book and the Creation of Literature

The Idea of the Book and the Creation of Literature explores the intersection of literary history and the history of the book, considering how texts become works and how authors are imagined.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 224 pages
Publication date: 29 November 2022
Publisher: Oxford University Press

The Idea of the Book and the Creation of Literature delves into the fascinating intersection of literary history and the history of the book. For countless centuries, books have served as the tangible embodiment of knowledge and culture, playing a vital role in the dissemination of information across various domains. While books are commonly associated with written content, it's important to note that texts can exist in various forms beyond the printed page. The oldest poems, for instance, were originally intended for oral recitation and were only recorded centuries later. Similarly, much of the renowned poetry of the English Renaissance was composed in manuscript form, circulating within a small social circle. Plays, too, began as scripts intended for theatrical performances. What transpires when a play transitions from the stage to the printed page, or when a collection of poems circulated among friends transforms into a volume of sonnets? How do essays, plays, poems, stories, and other literary works evolve into "works"? Moreover, how is an author imagined in this process? In this groundbreaking addition to the Oxford Textual Perspectives series, Stephen Orgel explores these profound questions and delves into the idea of the book as an integral component in its creation. Through meticulous research and insightful analysis, Orgel offers a comprehensive examination of the book's historical development, its cultural significance, and its impact on the artistic process. He challenges traditional notions of the book as a mere container for written work and instead presents it as a dynamic force that shapes and influences the very essence of literature. The book explores various aspects of the book's evolution, from its early origins in ancient civilizations to its modern-day manifestations. It examines the role of the book in shaping literary genres, such as novels, plays, and poetry, and explores the ways in which authors have adapted their works to the printed medium. Orgel also delves into the social and cultural implications of the book, examining how it has influenced the development of reading habits, intellectual discourse, and cultural identity. He sheds light on the complex relationship between authors, publishers, and readers, and explores the ways in which the book has become a powerful tool for social change and activism. Throughout the book, Orgel employs a rich and interdisciplinary approach, drawing on insights from literature, history, cultural studies, and other fields. He incorporates a wide range of primary sources, including manuscripts, printed books, and contemporary critical essays, to provide a comprehensive and nuanced understanding of the book's past, present, and future. The result is a thought-provoking and engaging exploration of the book's enduring significance and its role in shaping the world of literature. The Idea of the Book and the Creation of Literature is a must-read for anyone interested in literature, history, and the cultural implications of the written word. It offers a fresh perspective on the book's role in the creative process and provides valuable insights into the complex relationship between authors, publishers, and readers. By exploring the historical, cultural, and social dimensions of the book, Orgel has crafted a masterpiece that will inspire and educate readers for generations to come.
The Idea of the Book and the Creation of Literature explores the intricate intersection of literary history and the history of the book. For countless millennia, books have held a revered status as the tangible embodiment of knowledge and culture, serving as an indispensable medium for the dissemination of information across diverse domains. While books are commonly associated with written content, it is important to acknowledge that texts can manifest in various forms beyond the printed page. The oldest poems, for instance, were originally intended for oral recitation and were only recorded centuries later. Similarly, much of the renowned poetry of the English Renaissance was composed in manuscript form, circulating within a small social circle. Plays, too, began as scripts intended for theatrical performances. What transpires when a play transitions from the stage to the printed page, or when a collection of poems circulated among friends transforms into a volume of sonnets? How do essays, plays, poems, stories, and other literary works evolve into "works"? Moreover, how is an author imagined in this process? In this groundbreaking addition to the Oxford Textual Perspectives series, Stephen Orgel delves into these profound questions and presents a comprehensive examination of the idea of the book as an integral component in its creation. Through meticulous research and insightful analysis, Orgel offers a comprehensive exploration of the book's historical development, its cultural significance, and its impact on the artistic process. He challenges traditional notions of the book as a mere container for written work and instead presents it as a dynamic force. The book explores various aspects of the book's evolution, from its early origins in ancient civilizations to its modern-day manifestations. It examines the role. The role The role of the book in shaping literary genres, such as novels, plays, and poetry, and explores the ways in which authors have adapted their works to the printed medium. Orgel also delves into the social and cultural implications of the book, examining how it has influenced the development of reading habits, intellectual discourse, and cultural identity. He sheds light on the complex relationship between authors, publishers, and readers, and explores the ways in which the book has become a powerful tool for social change and activism. Throughout the book, Orgel employs a rich and interdisciplinary approach, drawing on insights from literature, history, cultural studies, and other fields. He incorporates a wide range. A range of primary sources, including manuscripts, printed books, and contemporary critical essays, to provide a comprehensive and nuanced understanding of the book's past, present, and future. The result is a thought-provoking and engaging exploration of the book's enduring significance. Significance and its role in shaping the world. The Idea of the Book and the Creation of Literature is a must-read for anyone interested in literature, history, and the cultural implications of the written word. It offers a fresh perspective on the book's role. The book's role. The role The role. The book's role in the creative process and provides valuable insights into the complex relationship between authors, publishers, and readers. By exploring the historical, cultural, and social dimensions of the book, Orgel has crafted a masterpiece that will inspire and educate readers for generations to come.

The Idea of the Book and the Creation of Literature explores the fascinating intersection of literary history and the history of the book. For countless millennia, books have served as the tangible embodiment of knowledge and culture, playing a vital role The Idea of the Book and the Creation of Literature explores the fascinating intersection of literary history and the history of the book. For countless millennia, books have held a revered to the revered status as the tangible embodiment of knowledge and culture, serving as an indispensable medium for the dissemination of information across diverse domains. While books are commonly associated with written content, it is important to acknowledge that texts can manifest in various forms beyond the printed page. The oldest poems, for instance, were originally intended for oral recitation and were only recorded centuries later. Similarly, much of the renowned poetry of the English Renaissance was composed in manuscript form, circulating within a small social circle. Plays, too, began as scripts intended for theatrical performances. What transpires when a play transitions from the stage to the printed page, or when a collection of poems circulated among friends transforms into a volume of sonnets? How do essays, plays, poems, stories, and other literary works evolve into "works"? Moreover, how is an author imagined in this process? In this groundbreaking addition to the Oxford Textual Perspectives series, Stephen Orgel delves into these profound questions and presents a comprehensive examination of the idea of the book as an integral component in its creation. Through meticulous research and insightful analysis, Orgel offers a comprehensive exploration of the book's historical development, its cultural significance, and its impact on the artistic process. He challenges traditional notions of the book as a mere container for written work and instead presents it as a dynamic force. The book explores various aspects of the book's evolution, from its early origins, from its early origins in ancient civilizations to its modern-day manifestations. It examines the role of the book in shaping literary genres, such as novels, plays, and poetry, and explores the ways in which authors have adapted their works to the printed medium. Orgel also delves into the social and cultural implications of the book, examining how it has influenced the development of reading habits, intellectual discourse, and cultural identity. He sheds light on the complex relationship between authors, publishers, and readers, and explores the ways in which the book has become a powerful tool for social change and activism. Throughout the book, Orgel employs a rich and interdisciplinary approach, drawing on insights from literature, history, cultural studies, and other fields. He incorporates a wide range of primary sources, including manuscripts, printed books, and contemporary critical essays, to provide a comprehensive and nuanced understanding of the book's past, present, and future. The result is a thought-provoking and engaging exploration of the book's enduring significance and its role in shaping the world of literature. The Idea of the Book and the Creation of Literature is a must-read for anyone interested in literature, history, and the cultural implications of the written word. It offers a fresh perspective on the book's role in the creative process and provides valuable insights into the complex relationship between authors, publishers, and readers. By exploring the historical, cultural, and social dimensions of the book, Orgel has crafted a masterpiece that will inspire and educate readers for generations to come. The Idea of the Book and the Creation of Literature is a must-read for anyone interested in literature, history, and the cultural implications of the written word. It offers a fresh perspective on the book's role in the creative process and provides valuable insights into the complex relationship between authors, publishers, and readers. By exploring the historical, cultural, and social dimensions of the book, Orgel has crafted a masterpiece that will inspire and educate readers for generations to come.

Weight: 288g
Dimension: 202 x 135 x 17 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780192871589