The tropes surrounding the idea that "books are different" are legion, and permeate national boundaries, cultures, and languages. Sources underlining that "books are different" and booksellers are not regular salespeople date back to at least the 17th century. This seminar will explore the legal and political repercussions of this notion throughout anglophone book markets, looking at e.g. book and cultural policies in the US, UK, Australia, New Zealand and Canada to understand more fully the significance of the idea that "books are different." We will also discuss whether the book and cultural policies in place, e.g. the Canada Investment Act or reduced VAT, actually promote bibliodiversity - that is, a healthy and thriving book ecosystem that represents and reflects society as a whole.
- Lehrende/r: Corinna Norrick-Rühl
- Lehrende/r: Alexander Starre