ABSTRACT
This chapter explores Dick's role in popularizing science in Great Britain and the meanings that audiences ascribed to his works within various cultural settings. Dick emerged as a key figure in the 'march of mind' movement that stressed the dissemination of natural knowledge to all classes. The chapter examines Dick’s dealings with his publishers, how his books were produced and distributed to readers, how well they sold and at what price, and the extent of their influence. It deals with probing the meanings and uses of popular astronomy, particularly versions disseminated by Dick, within working-class settings, and the meanings and uses of Dick's works among Calvinistic Welsh Methodists. Dick was almost shockingly obtuse in his financial dealings with his publishers. For his first five books, Dick turned to William Collins in Glasgow. While Dick was less than successful in negotiating favourable contracts with his publishers, his works themselves, taken collectively, were hugely successful.
