The State of the Book: Is it an Endangered Species?

As mechanically produced books spread across Europe during the Renaissance, they triggered an explosion in the spread of new knowledge, soon to expand into extraordinary storytelling (the novel), which transformed the prevailing culture. The book as we know it was born. In recent times, the book has also served as a vital underpinning of the democratic state and of civil society in a globalizing economy. Is it now under threat in the digital age? Combining anecdote from his 50-year career in Canadian and international publishing with an historical overview of modern book culture, how it functions, and why it still matters, Scott McIntyre provides a timely perspective on a rapidly evolving but still essential cultural artifact. A graduate of UBC, Scott is best known for his role as co-founder, publisher and retired CEO of the pre-eminent Canadian book publishing house, Douglas & McIntyre Ltd., which during his tenure published over 2000 Canadian books. Between 1986 and 2005 he was involved in Canada’s international trade negotiations as a member of the Cultural Industries Sectoral Advisory Group on International Trade (SAGIT), and was influential in the development and implementation of the UNESCO Convention on Cultural Diversity. He is a member of the Order of Canada and recipient of the Queen’s Golden Jubilee Medal in 2002 and Diamond Jubilee Medal in 2012.