Book Quote by Andrew Lang
![“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/quotes/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
Source Book Introduction: The Betrothed, 1894
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.
