Michael Robb–author of Shelf Life
May 23 @ 2:00 pm – 3:00 pm BST
Shelf Life: A Journey Through the Past, Present & Future of Bookselling and Publishing in Britain
Time: May 23, 2025 02:00 PM London
Join Zoom Meeting: https://ucl.zoom.us/j/94600211926?pwd=2fai9O2d4S9s9iqx5V5mhfxy5Tvbdk.1
Meeting ID: 946 0021 1926 Passcode: 109352
Shelf Life is a meticulously crafted exploration of bookselling and publishing that spans two millennia. This engaging narrative unveils the resilience and innovation of key figures who have shaped the literary landscape, from the pioneering days of William Caxton to the contemporary influence of Jeff Bezos.
As the narrative navigates the ever-evolving terrain of book retail, it delves into the seismic changes of the past forty years and reflects on the current state of the industry, as well as offering insights into the challenges and future opportunities that lie ahead for publishing and bookselling in the twenty-first century.
A must-read for anyone passionate about books, bookshops and the enduring legacy of the written word.
The Author
Michael Robb has experienced first-hand the shifting tides of this well-loved industry over the past 40 years.
From successfully running an independent bookshop in Essex for two decades, to transitioning into the publishing domain, his broad network within the book trade gives him a unique insight into the world of the books.
Exactly the book I wish I had had in my hands when I was writing mine! It’s a simply written and straightforward account of the history of bookselling in Britain, and the development of British publishing, brought to life by the author’s obvious passion for the subject, his warm love of books and his appreciation of the value of reading for the human soul. Full of ideas for the future, and a wake-up call to all of us who worry about the future of our children, when public and school libraries are disappearing before our eyes and screens are ubiquitous. I also enjoyed the discussion of the impact of AI on the industry, which is clearly of concern if we value genuine creativity. Packed full of interesting facts, and interviews and insights from some of the leading players in the industry. – Sarah Harkness, author of Literature for the People: How the Pioneering Macmillan Brothers Built a Publishing Powerhouse
In Shelf Life, Michael Robb gives us 2,000 years of the history of publishing books, shot through with Robb’s own love of reading, before navigating the tempestuous present. We can’t know for sure the next chapter in the history of the book, but Michael Robb’s surging account – from William Caxton to the contemporary high street; from Wynkyn de Worde to the Net Book Agreement – can help us speculate better on the book’s possible futures. I loved reading Shelf Life. – Adam Smyth, Professor of English Literature and the History of the Book at Balliol College, Oxford, and author of The Book-Makers: A History of the Book in 18 Remarkable Lives (2024)