Home 5 Articles and Reports 5 Bookstores’ role in today’s Enlightenment

Bookstores’ role in today’s Enlightenment

by | Feb 22, 2024 | Articles and Reports

Bookstores, and in particular independent bookstores, play a role similar to that of coffee shops during the European Enlightenment – that is the interesting view of Connecticut English professor Rick Magee’s writing in CT Insider.

 

He writes: ‘One of the driving forces of the Enlightenment in Europe was the spread of the coffee shop, a place where people could gather and talk about ideas big and small. The bookstore serves a similar function in providing space not just for the products for sale but for people to trade ideas.’

 

This view of bookstores as crucial to society, playing a role in the dissemination of ideas, is fascinating; bookstores have a role in shaping public opinion.

 

Magee’s article was prompted by a visit to Byrd’s Books in Bethel, Connecticut, one of the smallest bookstores in the state.  He notes that the size means owner Alice Hutchinson plays “a crucial role as curator of the books. She has to read the town, anticipate what her customers will want to read and satisfy their requirement to keep up with current bestsellers while at the same time providing something a little bit new and different. In an important way, the bookstore is a reflection of the town’s identity.’

 

He adds: ‘One could argue that other businesses are more important — a grocery, a gas station, a liquor store all drive the economy with more vigor.  However, the bookstore is where the ideas circulate, providing culture, community, and nourishment in so many ways.

“The customer tells a story,” Alice said to me, and this is such a vital part of the bookstore. Customers walk in to find a book for themselves or a friend. They think about a beloved book from their childhood, the thing that nurtured them and helped create their identity. Or they remember a friend saying that this novel gave them feelings they will never forget and made them cry, and the customer wants to share in this feeling.’

 

 

Recent News

20Dec
Saudi Arabia’s Publishing Boom: Over 500 Houses Driving Growth

Saudi Arabia’s Publishing Boom: Over 500 Houses Driving Growth

According to the latest SME Monitor report released by Monsha’at, the Kingdom’s General Authority for Small and Medium Enterprises, Saudi Arabia’s publishing industry is witnessing remarkable growth. With over 500 local publishing houses operating across the Kingdom, the sector is making significant strides in bringing Saudi and Arabic-language literature to wider audiences.   The report […]

20Dec
Sharjah Ruler Honored Guinness Certificate for Arabic Dictionary

Sharjah Ruler Honored Guinness Certificate for Arabic Dictionary

His Highness Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah, and Supreme President of the Arabic Language Academy in Sharjah, has been awarded a Guinness World Records certificate recognizing the Historical Dictionary of the Arabic Language as the largest and most comprehensive historical linguistic project in the world, consisting […]

18Dec
How Is the “PublisHer” Paving the Way for Women to Lead the Publishing Industry?

How Is the “PublisHer” Paving the Way for Women to Lead the Publishing Industry?

The publishing industry is one of the most dynamic sectors globally, yet, like many creative fields, it grapples with persistent challenges related to achieving gender equality in the workplace. Although women constitute a significant portion of the workforce in this sector, they often face barriers that limit their access to leadership roles or hinder the […]

Related Posts

Through the Lens of books: Understanding Syria’s History and Destiny

Through the Lens of books: Understanding Syria’s History and Destiny

The history of Syria, one of the world's oldest civilizations, has inspired significant literary and historical works. These books intertwine Syria’s cultural richness, political struggles, and visions for the future. Here are four pivotal books that explore these...

Kafka: The Master of Modern Existential Angst

Kafka: The Master of Modern Existential Angst

Franz Kafka, one of the most enigmatic and influential writers of the 20th century, is often regarded as the voice of modern existential anxiety. His works, particularly The Trial and The Metamorphosis, reflect the alienation and absurdity of life in an increasingly...

Sustainable Publishing: How the Industry is Going Green

Sustainable Publishing: How the Industry is Going Green

Sustainable Publishing: How the Industry is Going Green   As environmental concerns become increasingly urgent, industries worldwide are rethinking their practices, and publishing is no exception. Sustainable publishing is emerging as a critical focus for publishers...

Previous Next
Close
Test Caption
Test Description goes like this

Pin It on Pinterest

Nasher News
Saudi Arabia’s Publishing Boom: Over 500 Houses Driving Growth
Sharjah Ruler Honored Guinness Certificate for Arabic Dictionary
How Is the “PublisHer” Paving the Way for Women to Lead the Publishing Industry?
Through the Lens of books: Understanding Syria’s History and Destiny
Kafka: The Master of Modern Existential Angst
Sustainable Publishing: How the Industry is Going Green