Рукописна та книжкова спадщина України (Jan 2023)
Main ways of distribution of legal Ukrainian-language books in Russian Empire (April 1906 - February 1917)
Abstract
The goal of the research is to establish the main ways of distribution of legal Ukrainian-language books after abolition of its prepublication censorship in the Russian Empire in 1906. Methodology. Due to the lack of archival materials the article is based on the data found in the then book-selling bibliography, publicism as well as in memoirs. Scientific novelty. It has been established that permit for free distribution of legal Ukrainian-language books was of rather declarative nature within the studied period. Distribution system just being formed was of syncretic nature. The main ways of Ukrainian-language books of distribution have been revealed. Conclusions. Nominally, legal Ukrainian-language books could be distributed freely, but departmental limitations were being imposed to control mass access to those editions. Formation of book distribution system was also hampered by behavioral practices of public officers and consumers that had been formed in previous decades when Ukrainian language was being oppressed. Being still of syncretic and nonsystemic nature, the book distribution system depended on enthusiasm of individuals involved in it. The main ways of books distribution were in-store selling and out-of-store trade. In-store selling was being performed in bookstores and libraries as well as in special rooms for reading that functioned under bookstores. Out-of-store trade forms included: 1) retail trading network (trading coffers, stalls and small shops as well as bookshelves in cooperative stores); 2) book peddling; 3) mail order commerce, particularly performed by subscription; 4) free handouts. Ultimate consumers acquired books by virtue of out-of-store forms of distribution as absolute majority of potential readers of Ukrainian-language books resided in rural area where no bookstores were located. Prevalence of out-of-store ways of access to books rather implies immaturity of Ukrainian society, but at the same time it depicts desire to form integrated information space by any means. Viability of that information space has been confirmed by profitability of Ukrainian book trade projects.
