The distribution of knowledge and the material presence of books: The sidewalk book vendors of Rabat and Casablanca, Morocco

Many of the books, newspapers, and magazines sold in Rabat and Casablanca are distributed directly by informal vendors in kiosks, on sidewalks, and in small bookshops. The growing number of kiosquiers, terrassiers, and bouquinistes (as they are called locally) suggests that they are not as marginal as their appearance might suggest. This article discusses the critical role of street traders in these two Moroccan cities, many either semi-literate or non-literate, in the circulation of the printed word—and of knowledge.