Archives and Information in the Early Modern World

The relationship between archives and information in the early modern world is explored in this collection of essays, which examines the proliferation of physical documentation, the role of record-keeping in administration, governance, and justice, and its links with trade, commerce, education, evangelism, and piety. It also offers insight into the possibilities and constraints of political participation and the nature of human agency, calling for greater dialogue and collaboration between historians and archival scientists.

Format: Hardback
Length: 350 pages
Publication date: 17 May 2018
Publisher: Oxford University Press

In this comprehensive collection of essays, edited by Kate Peters, Alexandra Walsham, and Liesbeth Corens, the intricate relationship between archives and information in the early modern world is explored in depth. Spanning from the proliferation of physical documentation between the sixteenth and eighteenth centuries to the profound implications of archives in statecraft, the contributors to Archives and Information in the Early Modern World offer a multifaceted examination of record-keeping practices.

Through a meticulous analysis of paper technologies and physical repositories, the authors shed light on the complex connections between documentation and geographical distance. They investigate the role of record-keeping in administration, governance, and justice, as well as its intricate links with trade, commerce, education, evangelism, and piety.

By expanding the framework beyond formal institutions to include the family, household, and sect, Archives and Information in the Early Modern World provides a fresh perspective on the possibilities and constraints of political participation and the nature of human agency. It deepens our understanding of the role of archives in the construction and preservation of knowledge and the exercise of power in its broadest sense.

The book calls for a greater dialogue and creative collaboration between historians and archival scientists to bridge the lingering disciplinary divide. It encourages us to explore new avenues of research and collaboration, fostering a deeper understanding of the past and shaping a more informed future.

In conclusion, Archives and Information in the Early Modern World is a vital contribution to the field of historical studies. It offers a rich and nuanced understanding of the complex relationship between archives and information, shedding light on the past and shaping our understanding of the world today.

Weight: 694g
Dimension: 242 x 164 x 29 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780197266250