Literary Heritage : Lessons from the Coronavirus Pandemic

Abstract

Literary Heritage examines the literary heritage sector in the post-pandemic moment. The book argues that this is a unique time for literary heritage management and demonstrates that the key to understanding it is an analysis of the transformations that took place because of the Covid-19 pandemic. Through an analysis of literary heritage sites across the UK’s four nations, this study provides an overview of practice from sites managed by national organisations as well as independent museums. Presenting a quantitative and qualitative overview of the challenges faced by the sector in the wake of the pandemic, Rudrum and Williams explore the innovations literary heritage organisations initiated in response. The book displays the wealth of ingenuity that was on display during this trying moment for the sector. It also looks forward to the new normal in the industry: a move towards the outdoors, increased use of online engagement, and creative arts and community programming that brings the literary past to the political present. Featuring interviews with 16 heritage practitioners, the book shares examples of best practice in the hope that lessons will be learned from the enforced closures prompted by the pandemic. Literary Heritage will be of great interest to academics and students working in Heritage Studies, Museum Studies, and English Literature. It will also appeal to a broad readership of cultural heritage professionals.