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Jul 21, 2014

A Short Guide to Literary History

Literary history - open paper back book Here at We Buy Books we thought we’d take a look back on some of the biggest historical literary events to occur in July, so sit back, relax and appreciate some classic literary history!

Characters from Alice's Adventures in Wonderland by Lewis CarrollLewis Carroll begins writing Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland

Back in 1862 on the 4th July a 30 year old Lewis Carroll began work on Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland. After 3 years of writing, proof reading and redrafting a classic was born! Published on 26th November 1865 it was an instant success.

To this day the novel is one of the greatest children’s novels ever created, so much so it has been translated in over 70 languages, adapted for television and theatre production and remains one of the most quoted novels in English literature.

Lewis Carroll, we salute you!

To Kill a Mockingbird is published

To Kill a Mockingbird puts the class in absolute classic.
First published on 11th July 1960, the novel is set in the 30s and highlights many social issues present during this time. The author, Harper Lee, links to morals throughout the whole story and effectively focuses on right and wrong!

Addressing racism, sexism and other issues that were rife amidst the Great Depression, To Kill A Mockingbird continues to inspire people all over the world. Whether you’ve been forced to read the book at school or have done so off your own back, Iâ’m sure you’ll agree that it is quite simply fantastic!

Paperback books introduced

Open paper back book on a tableIn 1935 the literature and book industry was revolutionised completely as paperback books were introduced to the world.

Previously, Allen Lane, then the director of Bodley Head, had a brainwave whilst waiting for a train! Appalled by the lack of literature on sale at Exeter train station, he deiced that good quality literature should be available at affordable prices in more convenient places such as train stations and tobacconists.

And so on 30th July 1935, after several months of planning, Lane and his team released their range of paperback books under the name of ‘Penguin’ books and since then the industry hasn’t looked back!

J.K Rowling and Harry Potter are born

Platform 9 3/4 sign from J.K Rowling's Harry Potter The 31st of July is a major date in modern day literature. Not only was one of the most influential authors of our generation born in J.K Rowling, but so to was the most well loved character of the 21st century if not of all time, Harry Potter!

The first of seven fantasy novels was published back in 1997 and since then Harry Potter and its author J.K Rowling have captivated the imaginations of children and adults of all ages across the world. The spellbinding adventures of Harry Potter and his Hogwarts’ friends are the best selling book series of all time!

I think it’s fair to say Harry Potter has been a huge success! Well-done J.K Rowling!

If you’re looking to cash in on your collection of classic books including Alice in Wonderland, To Kill a Mockingbird or any of the seven Harry Potter novels then simply type in the ISBN number and see how much we’ll give you in return! Alternatively you can use our brand new mobile app to speed up the process.

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