Francis Galloway

Book History, Publishing Research and Production Figures: The Case of Afrikaans Fiction Production during the Transitional Period 1990–2003

This article provides a framework for publishing research within the field of book history. The first part of the article focuses on the fact that book history is rooted in the material world and that it can therefore be understood in part countable quantities or publishing statistics, which provide a context for individual case studies (such as particular titles, authors, publishers, booksellers and readers). The second part proposes a methodological framework for publishing research. The third part reflects on the availability and usefulness of publishing statistics (with specific reference to production figures) for the study of contemporary book history in South Africa. The last part illustrates the proposed methodology with a case study of the production landscape of Afrikaans fiction during the transitional period 1990-2003.

NOTES ON THE USEFULNESS OF PUBLISHING STATISTICS FOR A BROADER SOUTH AFRICAN BOOK HISTORY

his contribution briefly highlights the importance of quantitative research and publishing statistics in the field of book history. The focus T then shifts to the relationship between book history, publishing history and literary history in the South African context. The availability of local publishing statistics and the launch of a research programme that addresses the need for contemporary publishing statistics are discussed. Application possibilities of publishing statistics derived from this programme are highlighted.