BESTSELLERS AND THE BRITISH BOOK INDUSTRY

The article considers the concept and significance of bestsellers in B ritish publishing. There is a brief historical summary, noting the tra de's objections to the idea. This was overcome in 1979, when The Sunda y Times started to publish a weekly list. The methods used to compile it are described. The successive improvements to the methods, and thei r limitations, are analyzed. The authoritative lists published in The Bookseller since 1979 are analyzed in terms of format, authorship and subject. It is concluded that paperback is the principal medium for po pular fiction, but that hardback is still more important for nonfictio n. It is further concluded that the range of subjects of bestsellers i s limited, and predictable, leading to the creation of formula books. A link between popular television programs and media personalities and successful books is noted.