Originally published in 1982, From Author to Reader, the first of its kind, is a complete review of books in modern society that draws upon the author's own and many other published sources concerning the social aspects of books. It looks at the roles played by authors, publishers, booksellers, and librarians in bringing books to readers. It further examines the behaviour of book readers themselves. Dr Mann's arguments are well supported by unobtrusive statistical data. Dealing as it does with so many aspects of the book as a medium of communication, From Author to Reader tells a fascinating story which will interest everyone who uses books for work or leisure.

Peter H Mann was an English sociologist who spent most of his career at the University of Sheffield, UK. Peter was especially committed to teaching and demonstrating reliable and rigorous methods of social investigation; and his advice on research design and implementation was sought in several settings.