Circulating libraries

The nature of the 18th century circulating library is briefly described and its role in forming initial readings habits for women leading to the great 19th century women novelists, and so in the development of women’s cultural liberation, is discussed. The changing nature of reading habits and the influence of Mudie and W.H. Smith in the 19th century are described. The evolving nature of reading and reading matter is discussed in a comparison with contemporary reading habits.