Conceptualizations of the Book Trade in Lithuania in the Twentieth Century

Abstract

Throughout the twentieth century, the book trade in Lithuania was influenced by momentous political and cultural developments. Following the abolition of press prohibition in 1904, the book trade entered a new period of national book distribution. In addition to being a vehicle for business interests, the book trade was also an essential arena for cultural activity. Favourable conditions for the commercial development of the book trade were created within the period of the Independent Republic of Lithuania from 1918 to 1940, which was interrupted by the Soviet occupation. The period of Soviet rule between 1940 and 1990 was one in which the ideological function of the book impacted greatly on publishing and the book trade activities. After the restoration of the Independent Republic, the Lithuanian book trade and other business sectors had to redress the losses of the Soviet years and take up the challenge of meeting the changing cultural and informational demands of society. This article explains the historical development of the Lithuanian book trade and shows how past forces have influenced its current condition. It also identifies a series of problems facing the book trade and suggests ways of coping with them.