Schwedische Buchgeschichte: Zeitalter der Reformation und Konfessionalisierung

The anthology explores the book history of the Swedish Empire in the early modern period, including the Finnish part. It includes a broad definition of book history, studying individual types of text and their contents and discourses. Contributions cover various topics such as the history of the Swedish hymn book, school drama, and neo-Latin poetry.

Format: Hardback
Length: 253 pages
Publication date: 11 May 2021
Publisher: Vandenhoeck & Ruprecht GmbH & Co KG

The present anthology presents a comprehensive collection of nine articles that delve into the rich history of the Swedish Empire during the early modern period. Spanning from the aftermath of the Kalmar Union to the early 18th century, this era witnessed the expansion of Swedish territories, primarily encompassing the Swedish and Finnish regions situated on both sides of the Gulf of Bothnia. This thematic focus is evident in the anthology, with a significant third of the articles dedicated to exploring the book history of the Finnish part of the Empire.

Understanding book history requires a multifaceted and interdisciplinary approach. The editors of this anthology were not solely interested in the book as a physical object or mere descriptive accounts of collections. Rather, they sought a broader definition of book history that encompassed an in-depth examination of individual types of text and the complex discourses negotiated within them. Consequently, some contributions are specifically focused on diverse textual genres, such as the history of the Swedish hymn book in the 16th century, the Swedish school drama of the early modern period, or neo-Latin poetry.

By examining these articles, readers gain a deeper understanding of the multifaceted roles that books played in the Swedish Empire during this period. Books served as vessels for knowledge, cultural exchange, and religious devotion, contributing to the development of literature, education, and religious practices. They also played a crucial role in shaping political ideologies, propagating national identity, and documenting historical events. Through a comprehensive analysis of these texts, the anthology offers valuable insights into the social, cultural, and intellectual landscape of the Swedish Empire during its early modern era.

ISBN-13: 9783525564974