Ink Fish Books is co-hosting this event at the Barrigton Public Library

Reading at the beach or in the backyard on the hammock is a great way to relax in the summer. But what if we told you that at one time in our history, there were fears about the danger of leisurely reading. Would you believe us?

Books for Idle Hours: Nineteenth-Century Publishing and the Rise of Summer Reading by Donna Harrington-Lueker details the publishing phenomenon of summer reading and the backlash against it. Countering fears about the dangers of leisurely reading---especially for young women---publishers framed summer reading not as a disreputable habit but as a respectable pastime and welcome respite. Books for Idle Hours sheds new light on an ongoing seasonal publishing tradition when more readers indulge in lighter fare and print culture and tourist culture come together.

Join us for an author reception with punch and cookies from 6 to 6:30 pm and a presentation at 6:30 pm. Books will be for sale by Inkfish Books and the author will be signing copies. 

Donna Harrington-Lueker is professor of English at Salve Regina University in Newport. Her work has appeared in Nineteenth Century Studies, Journalism History, and the Keats-Shelley Journal.

Free and open to all
In partnership with Inkfish Books and made possible by the Friends of Barrington Public Library