Transformation Of British Publishing Industry In 18th Century

As a cultural industry,publishing industry has an important influence on the development of economy and culture.The relationship between publishing industry and society is bidirectional.The successful transformation of publishing industry in the 18th century is the result of social changes in Britain since modern times.At the same time,the successful transformation of publishing industry also promoted the development of British society.By analyzing the reasons,contents and influences of the transformation of the publishing industry,it is not only helpful to understand the development of the industry,but also helpful to have a deeper understanding of the social outlook of Britain in the 18th century,so it has important research value.After the publishing industry was established in Britain in 1476,the development of the industry did not stagnate despite the strict supervision of the royal family.By the end of 17th century,the development of publishing trade and the strengthening of liberalization provided necessary conditions for the transformation of publishing industry in 18th century.The social changes in Britain in the 18th century,especially the development of the industrial revolution,provided technical support for the publishing industry.In addition,the stable political situation at this time provided a favorable social environment for the publishing industry.During this period,the increasing demand of publishing industry provided market power for transformation.Under the influence of these factors,the publishing industry completed its modernization transformation at the end of the 18th century.The formation of specialization of publishing industry is an important part of the transformation of publishing industry in the 18th century.The division of labor in traditional publishing industry is not clear,and printing,publishing and sales are all undertaken by one person.With the development of publishing trade,these roles began to split,and professional writers also appeared.The trend of professionalization of writers is constantly strengthening,which makes the creation of texts more professional.Writers can’t create without the investment of booksellers,because booksellers,as entrepreneurs in the publishing industry,are the core force in the development of the publishing industry.In the 18th century,booksellers put more energy into publishing and successfully transformed into modern publishers by establishing publishing houses.It is difficult for booksellers to sell and distribute at the same time after they specialize in publishing business.But in the expanding publishing market,distribution and sales are also very important.In this case,some booksellers seize business opportunities and gradually specialize in sales and distribution.Finally,in the late 18th century and early 19th century,the British publishing industry formed the specialization of text creation,publishing,distribution and sales.The transformation of the management mode of publishing industry is another important content of the transformation of publishing industry in the 18th century.After entering the 18th century,the publishing industry became more prosperous,at the same time,it also led to the rapid increase of pirated works and works that were not conducive to social development.However,the traditional publishing industry management organization,the Stationers’ Company,cannot effectively manage the publishing industry.In order to protect their own interests,booksellers promoted the publication of the first Copyright Law in Britain.In order to maintain social stability,the government gradually uses libel law to supervise the publishing industry in order to regulate its development.At the same time,the government also manages the publishing industry by Stamp Act and Subsidization for the publishing industry.In the 18th century,the transformation of publishing industry not only promoted the development of industry and the increasing wealth and status of booksellers,but also had an important impact on the development of British society.Publishing industry,as a cultural industry,promotes the development and dissemination of British culture.The political information published in a large number of newspapers,periodicals and magazines has been read and discussed by more people,which further promotes the formation of the political public sphere,thus accelerating the process of political democratization in Britain.By studying the transformation of British publishing industry in the 18th century,we can peep into the connection between the transformation of this industry and social development.The publishing industry successfully completed its modernization transformation in the 18th century,which is the inevitable result of adapting to social changes.By studying the transformation of publishing industry,we can have a better understanding of the face of British society in the 18th century and deepen our understanding of the transformation of British society.