The Reissue Boom: Old Novels, New Life in American Publishing

American literary publishing is experiencing a surge in reissues of overlooked and forgotten novels, driven by a desire for vintage yet contemporary reading experiences. New York Review Books Classics (NYRB Classics), founded in the late 1990s, has become a leading force, resurrecting works by authors like Shirley Hazzard, Helen Garner, and Nancy Lemann. The trend has expanded to other publishers such as McNally Editions, Dalkey Archive, and new imprints like Doubleday's Outsider Editions. Reissues are popular on platforms like BookTok, with Jacqueline Harpman's 'I Who Have Never Known Men' selling more copies for Transit than all titles by Nobel laureate Jon Fosse. The phenomenon is partly a response to the decline of traditional book criticism, as reissues can gain attention through trend stories and social media. However, the reissue boom has limitations: NYRB Classics has published only one novel by a Black American this decade, and the focus on the past may overshadow contemporary fiction. The article suggests readers balance rediscoveries with new books, and highlights NYRB's Originals series for championing new works like Joshua Cohen's Pulitzer-winning 'The Netanyahus' and Amit Chaudhuri's 'Château Rouge'.