Now that reading and writing are universal…
![“Now that reading and writing are universal accomplishments, books are not bought so freely as they were about 1820. . . . [I]n fact, book-buying does not increase in proportion with the power of reading printed matter. People prefer periodical trash, snippets of twaddle. [February 1894, editor's…” quote by Andrew Lang](https://sms4smile.com/q/img-quotes/4f5/andrew-lang-15654_book_now-that-reading-and-writing-are-univers_2879049.jpg)
““Now that reading and writing are universal accomplishments, books are not bought so freely as they were about 1820. . . . [I]n fact, book-buying does not increase in proportion with the power of reading printed matter. People prefer periodical trash, snippets of twaddle. [February 1894, editor's introduction to Dana Estes & Company's The Betrothed, by Sir Walter Scott]””
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
Even though reading and writing are widespread, books are not sold as freely as before; people prefer cheap, low‑quality periodicals.
In simple terms: Widespread literacy hasn’t increased book sales; cheap media dominate.
Key Takeaway
Encourage deeper engagement with books.
Themes
literature
media
culture
Mood
critical
thoughtful
Type
analytical
observational
When to use this quote
- marketing a new novel
- promoting literary journals
- educating about critical reading
- countering clickbait culture
- supporting libraries
Key Concepts
publishing economics
information overload
reading habits
consumer preferences
Questions to Reflect On
- Why do readers choose short articles over books?
- How can authors make books more appealing in a fast‑paced world?
A Different Perspective
Economic factors and digital distractions limit book purchases.