A Brief History of Book Clubs

The Beginnings of Book Clubs

Because literacy was initially reserved for only those member's of society's upper classes, reading was not an activity that the general public could indulge in. This gave those who were literate, usually the wealthy and educated, an instant upper hand in society.
While there is some debate as to when the first book club was formed (in part because the facts are vague), Rachel Jacobsohn, author of The Reading Group Handbook, recalls a reading group comprised of " white glove-wearing, hat-wearing, tea-drinking, elitist old white women" from the late 1800s. This exclusive group was restricted to members who inherited a place among the coveted club.

Women's Roles in Traditional Book Clubs

Though men were the first gender to popularize the concept of a reading group, women followed the examples of their male counterparts. Though remaining confined to the social parameters of their sex, women slowly shifted their social activities from sewing circles and church groups to the eventual formation of their own reading groups.
Women initially resorted to book clubs as a way to socialize and discuss daily happenings. According to Jacobsohn, women in reading groups "simply came together to discuss the same issues and dilemmas that men debated". Women used the reading group as an outlet to not only socialize, but to be given an opportunity to have a voice and be heard among peers.


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