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This text aims to explode two notions that are commonplace in American cultural histories of the 19th century: that the spread of literature was a simple force for the democratization of taste, and that there was a body of 19th-century literature that reflected "a nation of readers".

Books and reading --- American literature --- Book industries and trade --- Popular culture --- National characteristics, American. --- American national characteristics --- Book trade --- Cultural industries --- Manufacturing industries --- English literature --- Agrarians (Group of writers) --- History --- Appreciation --- United States --- Economic conditions --- 19th century --- To 1865 --- National characteristics [American ] --- American literature - Appreciation - United States - History - 19th century. --- Popular culture - United States - History - 19th century.