U.S. Census Bureau Daily Feature for July 28

WASHINGTON, July 28 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Following is the daily "Profile America" feature from the U.S. Census Bureau:

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WEDNESDAY, JULY 28: PAPERBACK BOOKS AT 75

Profile America -- Wednesday, July 28th.  This week 75 years ago, the Penguin Publishing House brought out a book format which revolutionized the printing industry -- the first modern paperback book.  The first title was a biography of the poet Shelley.  The idea came from Allen Lane, in reaction to the tough economic situation of the Depression.  Publishing paperback editions allowed him to lower his costs, sell more books and save his printing business.  The lower cost and convenience of the format caught on with readers and has remained popular.  Today, softcover books are an accepted part of Americans' reading experience.  From inexpensive novels in supermarkets, to costly college textbooks, half of the books we buy each year are softcover.  You can find these and more facts about America from the U.S. Census Bureau, online at www.census.gov.

Sources:  Chase's Calendar of Events 2010, p. 392

Statistical Abstract of the United States 2010, t. 1097

Profile America is produced by the Public Information Office of the U.S. Census Bureau. These daily features are available as produced segments, ready to air, on a monthly CD or on the Internet at http://www.census.gov (look for "Multimedia Gallery" by the "Newsroom" button).  

SOURCE U.S. Census Bureau