The History of Reading offers an engaging, accessible overview from the rise of literacy through to the current trend of ‘book clubs’. Divided into seven sections, each with a useful introduction, this Providing both a clear introduction to the history of the field and a taster of the breadth, diversity and vitality of current debates, this Reader is an essential resource for undergraduates, graduates, and researchers.
I read this book cover to cover twice. Oddly, this book was assigned in two different courses in a graduate school. Once during a summer course! That course required this book and The Book History Reader along with other external readings all to be read and responded to in writing in an 8-week course (painful summer). It is dense with information and a scholarly work. If not assigned, I would think of it more as a reference book.