Libraries began to prize books for physical attributes over content.

Evidence

The distinction of a fine library depended increasingly on books that were precious because of their illustrations, their date of publication, their binding, or even their printer. — Andrew Pettegree, Arthur der Weduwen, The Library- A Fragile History, 502

Categorization

• corroborated: 2 independent passages support this claim — Andrew Pettegree, Arthur der Weduwen, The Library- A Fragile History, 502
• XREF: connects to: Books carried totemic symbolic value beyond their textual content. — Andrew Pettegree, Arthur der Weduwen, The Library- A Fragile History, 379; Antiquarian collectors prized books whose content contradicted their conservative values — Andrew Pettegree, Arthur der Weduwen, The Library- A Fragile History, 548; Private libraries functioned mainly as intellectual and financial assets, not display — Andrew Pettegree, Arthur der Weduwen, The Library- A Fragile History, 46 (+4 more)

Broader Connections

• Libraries eventually yielded to reader demand for romantic fiction #expands (0.50) — Andrew Pettegree, Arthur der Weduwen, The Library- A Fragile History, 866
• Circulating library catalogues contained surprisingly little fiction stock #contradicts (0.40) — Andrew Pettegree, Arthur der Weduwen, The Library- A Fragile History, 592