Hype Bestsellers and Literary Culture

Bestsellers are the books that sell well, are read by large numbers of people, and are widely talked about in the media and among readers. Yet there has been little research on the creation, reception, and cultural and social significance of bestsellers. Recognizing that popular narratives play an important role in the lives of millions of readers, Hype – Bestsellers and Literary Culture looks closely at the literature so many people read. As global market phenomena, situated in between the power spheres of producers and consumers, bestsellers also highlight the interdependency of culture, market, and the individual. This volume addresses such diverse questions as the creation of hype, the role and the meaning of the author in the presentday media landscape, changes in the book trade, historical perspectives on bestselling literature, and the relationship between bestsellers and literary research.