Literary Miscellany is a jaunty tour through the history of literature, from medieval bards to Oprah’s book club, with stops at all the strange spots along the way.

Who knew how much bitter controversy could generate from bestseller lists and children’s books? Or that even the biggest writers had to scrape by in their day, with odd jobs and inventions like the Mark Twain Self-Pasting Scrapbook?

Literary Miscellany guides the reader through the major eras in literature, how the process and business of writing changed, and the ways readers’ tastes developed as literacy proliferated and books became the center of mass culture.

Packed with illustrations, odd lists and memorable quotes, Literary Miscellany examines the quirkier side of great authors and their works.