New History of the English Public Library: Social and Intellectual Contexts, 1850-1914

Contents: Introduction: The 'Epiphyte' Institution In Search of an Analytical Model Foundations of the Public Library Ideal The Utilitarian Flywheel The Principal Pioneers: Ewart and Edwards Culture, Materialism and the 1849 Select Committee: the Cultural Materialism of Art Economic Concerns: 'Useful' Knowledge and Political Economy The Idealist Flywheel Cultural Concerns: in Search of an Assertive Middle Class Librarians: Their Social Engagement and Controlling Discourse Architecture: the Social Causes of Design Conclusion