The People of Print: Seventeenth-Century England

This collection highlights understudied figures in the 17th-century book and print trades, emphasizing their diverse material, cultural, and ideological work. It provides biographical introductions to each figure, placing them in their social, professional, and institutional contexts, and considers various print trade roles and networks. The biographies draw on extensive new archival research and offer a primer on individual figures and the tribulations and innovations of the print trade in the century of revolution.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 75 pages
Publication date: 08 June 2023
Publisher: Cambridge University Press

This collection presents a comprehensive examination of understudied figures in the book and print trades of the seventeenth century. With a balanced representation of both women and men, it intervenes in the history of these trades, highlighting the diverse range of material, cultural, and ideological work undertaken by these individuals. It offers a biographical introduction to each figure, placing them in their social, professional, and institutional contexts. The collection explores various roles within the print trade, including those of printers, publishers, paper-makers, and booksellers, as well as specific trade networks and numerous textual forms. The biographies draw upon extensive new archival research, providing detailed information about key sources for further study on each figure. Chronologically organized, this Element serves as a valuable primer on numerous individual figures as well as the challenges and innovations of the print trade during the century of revolution.

Introduction:
The book and print trades of the seventeenth century were pivotal in shaping the dissemination of knowledge and ideas during a period of significant cultural and intellectual transformation. While the contributions of many individuals involved in these trades have been overlooked or marginalized, this collection seeks to rectify that by profiling understudied figures who played significant roles in the development of the book and print industries.

Gender Balance:
One of the notable features of this collection is its commitment to gender balance. It recognizes that women were also active participants in the book and print trades and seeks to provide a comprehensive account of their contributions. The biographies included in this collection highlight the diverse range of roles that women played, from printers and publishers to bookbinders and booksellers.

Interdisciplinary Approach:
The collection takes an interdisciplinary approach, drawing on a range of sources and disciplines to provide a comprehensive understanding of the seventeenth-century book and print trades. It incorporates historical analysis, literary criticism, cultural studies, and archival research to shed light on the lives and work of these understudied figures.

Biographical Introduction:
Each biography in the collection offers a biographical introduction that places the figure in their social, professional, and institutional settings. It provides a detailed account of their life and career, highlighting their contributions to the book and print trades. The introduction also discusses the broader context in which these figures operated, including the political, social, and economic developments of the seventeenth century.

Print Trade Roles:
The collection considers a wide range of print trade roles, including those of printers, publishers, paper-makers, and booksellers. It explores the various networks and institutions that facilitated the production and distribution of books and prints, as well as the different textual forms that emerged during this period.

Archival Research:
The biographies in this collection draw on extensive new archival research, providing detailed information about the lives and work of these understudied figures. The research has uncovered previously unknown details about their contributions to the book and print trades, and has shed light on the broader social and cultural context in which they operated.

Conclusion:
In conclusion, this collection offers a valuable contribution to the study of the seventeenth-century book and print trades. By profiling understudied figures and providing a comprehensive account of their contributions, it seeks to rectify the neglect of women's roles in these industries and to shed light on the broader cultural and intellectual developments of the period. The interdisciplinary approach and extensive archival research make this collection an essential resource for scholars and researchers interested in the history of the book and print trades.

Weight: 112g
Dimension: 127 x 179 x 8 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781009380683