PAGES : Americans Still Splurge on Books

A sluggish economy did not stall an increase in U.S. book sales in 1992, a report by the Book Industry Study Group has shown.

Consumers purchased 822 million books for adults, a 7% increase over the 1991 estimate of 770 million books.

Trade paperbacks showed the biggest growth, up 11% in 1992 over the previous year.

The most popular category among paperbacks in 1992 was psychology/reference, including counseling and self-help books. Sales in this genre grew by 15% in 1992.

Americans over 55 tended to buy more books, while those ages 25 and younger bought fewer.

Subject matter was the driving force for 53% of book consumers in 1991.

An author’s reputation was the second most important motivation.

The study showed that in 1992, 65% of American households purchased at least one book.