Examines how capitalism affected the elitist culture of literature, publishing, book markets, and readership in turn-of-the-century Russia and its subject state, the Kingdom of Poland, highlighting the relationship between high culture and consumer culture. Looks at the problem of the merchant in Russian literature, Russian and Polish romances, the publishing business during the period, and the marketing of Russian literature. Includes b&w photos and illustrations. Annotation c. by Book News, Inc., Portland, Or.