Bookshops Quote by John Scott
“The true experimenters are there but no-one hears about them - the critical/review system tends to concentrate on the handful of 'major' writers and their promising successors; bookshops tend not to sell them; publishers don't promote them. It's the same fate as has befallen poetry.”
About This Quote
Source Essay: The State of Literary Criticism, 1970s
The quote highlights how mainstream literary criticism and market forces marginalize experimental writers, similar to the neglect of poetry.
In simple terms: Experimental writers are ignored by critics and retailers.
Key Takeaway
Seek and support avant‑garde voices.
Themes
literary criticism
market dynamics
experimental art
poetry
culture
visibility
Mood
reflective
critical
hopeful
Type
analytical
observational
When to use this quote
- academic conferences
- indie bookstores
- literary festivals
- online platforms
- grant applications
Key Concepts
canon formation
gatekeeping
economic pressure
cultural memory
Questions to Reflect On
- How can readers discover hidden experimental works?
- What role should institutions play in promoting them?
A Different Perspective
The quote may overgeneralize; some experimental work does find niche audiences.
![“There are major writers who have written books [based on my research]. If one looks carefully at the copyright page, you'll see my name. Writers of the stature of Mailer and even bigger. All over the world.” quote by Lawrence Schiller](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/968/lawrence-schiller-34877_bigger_there-are-major-writers-who-have-written_2300561.jpg)
