Editors Note: This is an archived blog from 25/9/2012.

A Book History Research Network Study Day

30th November 2012, Chetham’s Library, Manchester

From the pamphleteers of the English Civil War to the library of ‘Occupy Wall Street’, the image of the book has often been a central element of political propaganda. But in what ways have cultures of books and reading shaped political action and ideologies? Or, conversely, how has politics affected the form and understanding of texts?

We invite paper proposals relating to the theme of ‘Politics and the Power of Print’, from any historical period or geographical location, and relating to movements across the ideological spectrum. Possible topics include, but are not limited to:

• Political publishing, distribution and retailing networks
• The translation and editing of political texts
• Political libraries and reading groups, both physical and digital
• Reading and local politics
• Censorship and the freedom of the press
• Political journals and newspapers
• Pamphlets, leaflets and political ephemera
• The occupational and industrial politics of printing/publishing
• Politics and the novel
• The iconography of the book/printing press in political communication

Please send paper proposals of no more than 300 words to Catherine Feely at cathfeely@gmail.com by 2nd October 2012.

To register to attend, please e-mail cathfeely@gmail.com by 2nd November 2012. Places are limited and there will be a small registration of £10 for employed people/£5 for students/unwaged for cover lunch and refreshments.

Dr Catherine Armstrong and Dr Catherine Feely, Study Day Organisers