Literary Annuals and Giftbooks

Literary/ Cultural Context Note

Litencyc Editors (Independent Scholar - Europe)

The Literary Encyclopedia. Volume 1.2.1.06: English Writing and Culture of the Romantic Period, 1789-1837.
Vol. editors: Daniel Cook (University of Dundee), Daniel Robinson (Widener University)

Domains

Literature Topic

Dates

Date of occurrence 1823-1854

Places

England (Location)

The succession of literary annuals that were first published in 1823, and maintained popularity through the next four decades, were the first books mass produced specifically as gift items. Compilations of poetry, short stories and essays that were chosen for their breadth of appeal and anodyne content rather than any particular literary merit, they were deliberately intended to be given as Christmas presents rather than read by their purchaser. As such, their emphasis was on beautiful presentation, and they were often lavish and innovative productions in printing terms, with coloured and embossed covers.

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92 words

Citation: Editors, Litencyc. "Literary Annuals and Giftbooks". The Literary Encyclopedia. First published 30 August 2013 [https://staging.litencyc.com/php/stopics.php?rec=true&UID=17658, accessed 23 November 2024.]

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Literary Annuals and Giftbooks

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