Andrew Pettegree: "Was War Good for the Book Trade?"
War always brought suffering and hardship, but also opportunity for those who could adapt skillfully to the new circumstances. Much of this opportunism was deplorable, but publishers also recognized that new times required new authors and new types of book. In this presentation we offer an examination of how war impacted bookselling, reading, and the livelihoods of authors, and how far the lessons of wartime disruption were absorbed when the fighting ended.
May 13, 2026
6 to 7:30 p.m. CDT
David Rubenstein Forum
Parking
All the information you need about parking for the upcoming Paleography and the Book Lecture.
Past Visiting Scholars
Past lecturers for the Paleography and the Book Visiting Scholar Program have included distinguished scholars recognized for their expertise in manuscript studies, book history, and paleography. Their lectures have explored a wide range of topics, from the decoding of medieval scripts to the cultural significance of historical bookmaking traditions.
About the Program
The University of Chicago Paleography and the Book Visiting Scholars Program brings an outstanding guest professor to campus for one quarter annually. The Visiting Scholar teaches a course in manuscript history and reception, paleography, epigraphy, philology, codicology, the history of the book and readers, or the evolution of print culture at the Hanna Holborn Gray Special Collections Research Center.
The University of Chicago Paleography and the Book Visiting Scholars Program brings an outstanding guest professor to campus for one quarter annually. The Visiting Scholar teaches a course in manuscript history and reception, paleography, epigraphy, philology, codicology, the history of the book and readers, or the evolution of print culture at the Hanna Holborn Gray Special Collections Research Center.
Message from the Dean
About
For nearly 90 years, the University of Chicago Department of Music has been a leader in the study and creation of music, both historical and contemporary. With leading scholars in their fields, the department offers graduate degrees in Composition, Ethnomusicology, and Music History and Theory, as well as an undergraduate Bachelor of Arts degree in music.
Named Lectures
Made possible through the generosity of dedicated supporters, named lectures across the Arts & Humanities present University faculty and an array of distinguished visiting scholars and artists. Hosted by departments and units throughout the Division, these free public events showcase leading voices in research, creative practice, and public thought. Early arrival is advised as the caliber of the lecturers generally draws large audiences and space can be limited.
Past Salons
Explore past Dean's Salon Events offering valuable insights into diverse academic discussions and thought-provoking presentations by distinguished speakers.
Lawrence Lessig: “America: Compromised Studies in Institutional Corruption”
“Institutional corruption” is the product of legal, even currently ethical influences that undermine the effectiveness of an institution, especially by weakening its public trust. Lawrence Lessig explores the application of this concept to a wide range of important public institutions with the aim to establish both the distinctiveness of the conception and its particular relevance to modern American life.