“What can and can’t be copied is a matter of law, but also of aesthetics, culture, and economics.”

According to its publisher, OpenBook Publishers, this book edited by Martin Kretschmer, with Lionel Bently and Ronan Deazley will trace the history of copyright law, and its emergence from a “a wide range of norms and practices” across a number of countries. The book will also explore the effects of such things as the abolition of the privilege system, and the evolution of the rights associated with the visual and performing arts.

What looks particularly interesting about the book though it the business model being used to publish it. It can be read online free of charge; there are also various paid formats available:

1. digital(pdf) – £4.95

2.paperback – £14.95