An American Bible: A History of the Good Book in the United States, 1777-1880

by Paul C. Gutjahr

Book Overview

During the first three-quarters of the nineteenth century, American publishing experienced unprecedented, exponential growth. An emerging market economy, widespread religious revival, educational reforms, and innovations in print technology worked together to create a culture increasingly formed and framed by the power of print. At the center of this new culture was the Bible, the book that has been called "the best seller" in American publishing...

• Format: Hardcover
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0804734259
• ISBN13: 9780804734257
• Release Date: May 1999
• Publisher: Stanford University Press
• Length: 276 Pages
• Weight: 1.50 lbs.
• Dimensions: 1.0" x 7.4" x 10.4"

Customer Reviews

Another Good Book

In his first book "An American Bible", Dr. Paul Gutjahr examines the effects of the changing nineteenth century print marketplace on the "good book." With ample references, both period and contemporary, and many helpful illustrations, "Bible" tracks American Bible production from 1777 until 1880 with an eye toward material conditions (price, binding, production and distribution, use/absence of illustrations and commentary, and forms of presentation). He also considers the effect of such conditions (as well as doctrinal, philological, and apologetic controversies) on the Bible's visibility, authority and popularity in America. Highly readable and informative for readers interested in religion, literacy, or popular culture.