Messengers of empire: Print and revolution in the Atlantic World

Messengers of Empire: Print and Revolution in the Atlantic World explores how the French Revolutionary Wars influenced the development of communication channels, including the creation of regular postal services and the copper plating of packet boats, leading to improved military success. It provides a unique inter-imperial comparison, revealing key differences and similarities between Britain and France in terms of information circulation.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 416 pages
Publication date: 08 May 2023
Publisher: Liverpool University Press

Here is the rephrased text:

Messengers of Empire: Print and Revolution in the Atlantic World delves into the intricate dynamics of news and information dissemination across the vast expanse of the Atlantic world during the Age of Sail. It offers a groundbreaking exploration of how the French Revolutionary Wars profoundly shaped the evolution of communication channels, leading to the establishment of regular postal services in the Caribbean and a heightened reliance on local printers to expedite the production of print matter efficiently. As the conflict between the British Empire and the French overseas empire unfolded, enhanced communication became an indispensable asset for military triumph, prompting innovative developments on both sides. This included a surge in Caribbean printing operations and the copper plating of packet boats to significantly reduce the time it took for mail to traverse the Atlantic Ocean, whether in the direction of Britain or France.

This book presents a distinctive inter-imperial comparison, shedding light on the key distinctions and shared characteristics between Britain and France regarding the critical role of information circulation in the functioning of their empires. It draws upon a diverse array of archival sources, including correspondence dispatches, newspapers, almanacs, public notices, and even documents revealing secret society meetings, which have seldom, if ever, been consulted before. By delving into these previously unexplored sources, the book unveils the intricate workings of imperial communication networks at the grassroots level, as well as the individuals who served as the gatekeepers of information in far-flung regions distant from the metropolitan centers.

Through its comprehensive analysis, Messengers of Empire offers a profound understanding of the complex interplay between print, communication, and the shaping of empires in the Atlantic world. It provides valuable insights into the historical processes that facilitated the spread of knowledge, ideas, and culture across borders, ultimately contributing to the development of a globalized and interconnected world.

Dimension: 234 x 156 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781802077681