Publishing Networks in France in the Early Era of Print

This book explores the early modern book trade in Paris and northwestern France, focusing on the connections between commercial trade, the book market, and geo-political ties. It investigates book production, market, and ownership, and how established pathways facilitated commercial and intellectual dissemination.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 270 pages
Publication date: 21 January 2023
Publisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd

This captivating book delves into the intricate web of commercial and personal relationships that thrived in the early modern book trade in Paris and northwestern France, spanning approximately from 1450 to 1550. The book market, characterized by its vibrant commercial activity, interconnected the towns of Paris, Caen, Angers, Rennes, and Nantes, creating a rich tapestry of knowledge exchange through book culture. Diane Booton, a diligent researcher, embarks on a comprehensive exploration of various facets of book production, encompassing typography and illustration, market dynamics (publishers and booksellers), and ownership patterns (buyers and annotators). Through meticulous analysis and reliance on primary and archival sources, she sheds light on the intricate mechanisms of commercial and intellectual dissemination, highlighting the established pathways that facilitated the spread of knowledge and ideas.

The book market, a bustling hub of trade and commerce, played a pivotal role in connecting the towns of Paris, Caen, Angers, Rennes, and Nantes. It served as a conduit for the exchange of diverse fields of knowledge, fostering a vibrant intellectual environment. Publishers and booksellers, driven by their entrepreneurial spirit, actively participated in the book trade, ensuring the availability of a wide range of publications to readers. Meanwhile, buyers, ranging from scholars and intellectuals to private individuals, sought to acquire rare and valuable books, driven by their thirst for knowledge and their desire to possess rare artifacts.

The ownership of books also played a significant role in the dissemination of knowledge. Buyers and annotators, often scholars themselves, added their valuable insights and annotations to books, enriching their content and making them more valuable to future generations. This collaborative effort not only preserved the knowledge contained within the books but also facilitated its dissemination and interpretation.

Furthermore, the book trade in this region was closely intertwined with geo-political ties. The towns of Paris, Caen, Angers, Rennes, and Nantes were strategically located along trade routes, facilitating the exchange of goods and ideas between different regions and cultures. This geographical proximity facilitated the spread of knowledge and the development of a cosmopolitan book culture.

In conclusion, this book offers a profound insight into the commercial and personal connections that shaped the early modern book trade in Paris and northwestern France. Through its detailed exploration of book production, market dynamics, and ownership patterns, it sheds light on the intricate web of knowledge exchange that thrived in this region. The book also highlights the role of geo-political ties in fostering a cosmopolitan book culture and the enduring impact of book culture on the development of knowledge and society.

Weight: 500g
Dimension: 229 x 152 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781032476230