Originally published in 1957, The Book World Today was the most comprehensive survey yet attempted of the making and distribution of books in Britain at the time. All the main aspects and problems of this complicated process are expounded by men of high standing in their own fields, who wrote from expert knowledge. Anyone who earned their living from books, was likely to find here facts and ideas which were new to them.

The book has been edited mainly from the publisher’s point of view, and publishing is given particularly full treatment. But the author, the agent, the booksellers, the librarians and the other contributors state their cases freely, often expressing views which clash, sometimes violently, with those of the publishers. It is this clash of opinion which gives the book its great importance. It would have been challenging, stimulating and of practical value to those inside the trade at the time while others would find in it much of interest. Today it can be read in its historical context.