Routledge Library Editions News & Updates
What are Routledge Library Editions (RLEs)?
RLEs are collections of books from the Routledge past: facsimile copies of books published by all the imprints Routledge (and Taylor & Francis) have been associated with: Routledge & Kegan Paul, Kegan Paul Trench & Trübner, Allen & Unwin, Gordon & Breach, Falmer etc.
Which subject areas do the RLEs cover?
Humanities and Social Sciences. One of the features of the collections is that they often reflect the breadth of our publishing in areas which we now take for granted—e.g. Asian Studies—but the books were published at a time long before that was an accepted discipline and part of the academic landscape.
How big are the RLEs?
They vary from 6-300 volumes. Each ‘library’ is made up of diverse titles by various authors. Each offers the purchaser the chance to buy a title individually, or as thematically structured mini-sets, or as a complete set. The price per volume is less if you buy a mini-set or even less if you buy the complete set!
Are the RLEs out of print or out of copyright books?
Out of print, yes, mostly. Out of copyright—mostly not. UK copyright now lasts for 70 years after the death of the authors so the vast majority of the books will still be in copyright, even if they've been out of print for some time.
Are RLEs available as e-books?
Yes, we started doing this as a matter of course from 2009.
What is the difference between an RLE and a Routledge Revival?
Routledge Revivals (RRs) are essentially the same but they are only ever re-issued as single, stand alone volumes.
What's the difference between an RLE and a facsimile Major Work?
A facsimile Major Work will often gather diverse sources together—e.g. selected chapters from books, and manuscript material. They tend not to re-issue complete books.