COMMUNICATING IDEAS

by Irving Louis Horowitz ‧ RELEASE DATE: Nov. 1, 1986

A political sociologist bewails the state of publishing today, with mostly very good reason. In academic prose, he points out the two dangers of publishing: First, too much concentration on profit at all costs among the popular products; second, too much ""idealism"" in academic presses that are concerned only with intellectual issues rather than the practical elements of publishing. Included are essays on such topics as the impact of computer technology on making books. He addresses specifics within his own field of political sociology, and prognosticates things to come as well. Horowitz slaps the wrists of ""professional"" publishers for creating an ""anti-intellectual environment."" This is doubtless true. Still, it cannot be expected that this book will do much to chasten the profit-hungry; it is too clearly addressed to the other camp. This is a shame, as a carefully considered, cogent book such as this one could benefit most commercial publishers. Perhaps someday Horowitz will repackage his ideas into a more popular, less dense format for a larger audience. Indeed, the book itself shows clearly which camp the author is in: it is, for a medium-sized book, a fairly pricey item from an academic press.

Pub Date: Nov. 1, 1986

ISBN: N/A

Page Count: -

Publisher: Oxford Univ. Press

Review Posted Online: N/A

Kirkus Reviews Issue: Oct. 15, 1986

Categories: NONFICTION