The General Reader and the Academy: Medieval French Literature and Penguin Classics

Leah Tether

doi:10.1017/9781108766715

Series: Elements in Publishing and Book Culture

The General Reader and the Academy

Medieval French Literature and Penguin Classics

Published online by Cambridge University Press: 11 May 2019

Leah Tether

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Leah Tether: Affiliation:
University of Bristol

Summary

Penguin Classics have built their reputation as one of the largest and most successful modern imprints for 'classic' texts on the notion of 'the general reader'. Following an interrogation of this idea, Leah Tether investigates the publication of medieval French literature on this list and shines a light on the drivers, motivations, negotiations and decision-making processes behind it. Focusing on the medieval French texts published between c.1956 and 2000, Tether demonstrates that, rather than Penguin's frequently cited 'general reader', a more academic market may have contributed to ensuring the success of these titles.

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Penguin Classics Medieval French academy general reader

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Type: Element
Information: Series: Elements in Publishing and Book Culture

DOI: https://doi.org/10.1017/9781108766715 [Opens in a new window]

Online ISBN: 9781108766715

Publisher: Cambridge University Press

Print publication: 30 May 2019

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