The Prose Factory by DJ Taylor review – a lament for Grub Street

DJ Taylor’s survey of the English literary scene of the last century is vivid and rich but lacks analysisTo Dr Johnson, it was Grub Street, where “no man but a blockhead ever wrote, except for money”. To Thackeray, it was “the Corporation of the Goosequill”. In the 20th century, Bloomsbury’s Frances Partridge would refer to “the Prose Factory”, the starting point for DJ Taylor’s investigation of a most peculiar “factory”.For instance, while trading conditions and the means of production have changed beyond recognition, the product itself remains remarkably resilient. An 18th-century coachman might be astonished by an inter-city bus, but his passengers would still recognise the 21st-century book. Related: DJ Taylor: 'I set out with every intention of just being a novelist. But then I got diverted …' Future generations will be mystified by 'galleys' and 'hot metal' but thrilled by the lunches and the long weekendsIf the book has an argument beneath its research, it is that the republic of letters has gone to the dogs Continue reading... Continue reading at 'The Guardian'

[ The Guardian | 2016-01-03 00:00:00 UTC ]
News tagged with: #starting point #trading conditions #hot metal

Other Publishing stories related to: 'The Prose Factory by DJ Taylor review – a lament for Grub Street'


Quarto defends high street as it posts strong results

Written By: Charlotte Williams Publication Date: Tue, 15/02/2011 - 09:43 Most publishers are neglecting the marketing role provided by bricks and mortar bookshops, said the head of Quarto as it unveiled its annual results. Chairman and c.e.o. Laurence Orbach said he was "pleased" with the... Continue reading at The Bookseller

[ The Bookseller | 2011-02-15 00:00:00 UTC ]
More news stories like this | News stories tagged with: #annual results #mortar bookshops #laurence orbach #full year #digital opportunities #high street


Transworld acquires Streets memoir

Written By: Charlotte Williams Publication Date: Tue, 15/02/2011 - 08:51 Transworld is to publish music memoir The Story of the Streets by Mike Skinner, detailing the rise of the Birmingham-born rapper and his band. Editorial director Simon Thorogood bought UK and Commonwealth rights from Jon... Continue reading at The Bookseller

[ The Bookseller | 2011-02-14 00:00:00 UTC ]
More news stories like this | News stories tagged with: #jon elek


Kindle gets real page numbers; better note, highlight & review sharing

By Tim Conneally, Betanews Amazon on Monday pre-released a software update for Kindle e-readers running the 3.0 software which updates the interface for magazines and newspapers, adds a quick review section at the end of each book, and adds page numbers that match Kindle books with their print... Continue reading at Betanews

[ Betanews | 2011-02-08 00:00:00 UTC ]
More news stories like this | News stories tagged with: #social activity #general public #social networks


Earthscan acquired by Taylor & Francis

Written By: Charlotte Williams Environmental publisher Earthscan has been bought by international academic publishing group Taylor & Francis following a process brokered by mergers and acquisitions specialists Bertolli Mitchell. The deal was completed on Monday [31st February]. read more Continue reading at The Bookseller

[ The Bookseller | 2011-02-03 00:00:00 UTC ]
More news stories like this | News stories tagged with: #taylor francis


PA opposes review of Digital Economy Act

Written By: Charlotte Williams The Publishers Association [PA] has attacked the culture secretary's decision to allow communications watchdog Ofcom to "delay" the Digital Economy Act. Culture Secretary Jeremy Hunt announced yesterday [1st February] that Ofcom is to assess whether the Act's... Continue reading at The Bookseller

[ The Bookseller | 2011-02-02 00:00:00 UTC ]
More news stories like this | News stories tagged with: #charlotte williams #culture secretary #copyright infringement