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Books: Their Place in a Democracy
Paperback
Literary CriticismBusiness of WritingGeneral Political Science
ISBN13: 9781025312927
Publisher: Tradd Street Press
Published: Feb 14 2026
Pages: 242
Weight: 0.76
Height: 0.51 Width: 6.14 Depth: 9.21
Language: English
Books: Their Place in a Democracy explores the vital role of the printed word in the functioning and maintenance of a democratic society. R. L. Duffus examines the intricate relationship between the publishing industry, library systems, and the reading public during a pivotal era in American cultural development. The work delves into the practical challenges of book distribution and the social necessity of making literature accessible to all citizens to ensure a well-informed and engaged electorate.
Duffus provides a detailed analysis of how books serve as essential tools for education, personal growth, and social progress. By investigating the economics of the book trade and the expansion of public libraries, the author highlights the systemic barriers to literacy and the collective efforts required to overcome them. This study remains a significant historical document for those interested in the sociology of reading and the evolution of the American literary landscape. It offers a compelling argument for the importance of a robust literary culture in maintaining the health and vitality of a free nation, emphasizing that the availability of ideas is the bedrock of democratic life.
This work has been selected by scholars as being culturally important, and is part of the knowledge base of civilization as we know it. This work was reproduced from the original artifact, and remains as true to the original work as possible. Therefore, you may see the original copyright references, library stamps (as most of these works have been housed in our most important libraries around the world), and other notations in the work.
This work is in the public domain in the United States of America, and possibly other nations. Within the United States, you may freely copy and distribute this work, as no entity (individual or corporate) has a copyright on the body of the work.
As a reproduction of a historical artifact, this work may contain missing or blurred pages, poor pictures, errant marks, etc. Scholars believe, and we concur, that this work is important enough to be preserved, reproduced, and made generally available to the public. We appreciate your support of the preservation process, and thank you for being an important part of keeping this knowledge alive and relevant.
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