In recent years, efforts of the European Union (EU)’s policymakers have been increasingly placed on supporting cultural and creative sectors. From financial support, through economic studies to legislative reforms (including those focused on IP aspects), the EU strives to facilitate artistic creation. To do so, a proper understanding of the underlying legal framework is paramount. It is against this background that Enrico Bonadio and Cristiana Sappa published their edited volume titled The Subjects of Literary and Artistic Copyright. The book, composed of 2 parts and a total of 13 chapters, covers various copyright-related issues in the cultural and creative sectors. Part I opens with chapter 1, authored by Michela Giorcelli. Giorcelli offers the readers a convincing research of the economic impact of copyright on authors’ revenues. The research is based on a thorough empirical analysis of publishing contracts between Italian authors and publishers in 1750–1900. Giorcelli concludes that, with the introduction of copyright in Italy in the 19th century, authors were able to significantly increase their revenues.