'An engaging tour of publishing and bookselling history... Essential for readers and industry newcomers alike.' – Paul Baggaley, Editor-in-Chief, Bloomsbury Publishing
‘A very enjoyable history and survey of the present and the future.’ - James Daunt, Managing Director of Waterstones; CEO of Barnes & Noble
Embark on a captivating journey through the ages with Shelf Life, a meticulously crafted exploration of bookselling and publishing that spans two millennia. This engaging narrative unveils the resilience and innovation of key figures who have shaped the literary landscape, from the pioneering days of William Caxton to the contemporary influence of Jeff Bezos.
As the narrative navigates the ever-evolving terrain of book retail, it delves into the seismic changes of the past forty years and reflects on the current state of the industry, as well as offering insights into the challenges and future opportunities that lie ahead for publishing and bookselling in the twenty-first century.
A must-read for anyone passionate about books, bookshops and the enduring legacy of the written word.
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‘... bookselling and bookshops remain at the heart of his story; and the case of his own shop poignantly reveals several of the salient points about the recent past in that line of work.’
‘As a “journey through the past, present and future of bookselling and publishing in Britain”, Robb’s book has an ambitious itinerary.’
" -
Times Literary Supplement"
‘Pure catnip for booksellers and bibliophiles, Shelf Life by Michael Robb is a warm, meticulously researched history of books, bookselling, and publishing, packed with fascinating detail, surprising facts, and the author's love of the trade.’
" - Shelf Awareness
