The Restraint of the Press in England, 1660-1715: The Communication of Sin

The book explores the interplay between communication, politics, and religion in early modern England, challenging the idea that the loss of pre-publication licensing in 1695 unleashed a free press. It suggests that England moved from pre-publication censorship to post-publication restraint, with political and religious authorities shaping and manipulating information. The book trade reacted by practicing self-censorship, and government and the book trade colluded in a policy of policing rather than punishment. The study reveals that England was a religious and politically fractured society, in which ideas of sovereignty and public opinion were being established and argued about.

Format: Hardback
Length: 360 pages
Publication date: 15 April 2022
Publisher: Boydell & Brewer Ltd

The fascinating interplay between communication, politics, and religion in early modern England offers a fresh perspective on the politics of print culture. This book challenges the notion that the loss of pre-publication licensing in 1695 unleashed a free press on an unsuspecting political class, leading England toward modernity. However, the reality was more complex. England transitioned from pre-publication censorship to post-publication restraint, where political and religious authorities continued to shape and manipulate information. Authors, printers, publishers, and book agents faced constant harassment, leading to self-censorship practices within the book trade. During periods of political calm, government and the book trade collaborated in a policy of policing rather than punishment.

The Restraint of the Press in England problematizes the idea of the birth of modernity, as commonly perceived by scholars. What emerges from this study is a complex and multifaceted picture of a society grappling with the establishment of ideas of sovereignty and the power of public opinion. The period after 1695 witnessed the emergence of new political and religious ideologies, as well as the debates surrounding them. The people of England were becoming increasingly aware of their rights and the importance of participating in the political process.

While the loss of pre-publication licensing may have facilitated the spread of information, it did not lead to a sudden shift towards liberalism, democracy, or modernity. Instead, England remained a religious and politically fractured society, with different groups vying for power and influence. The press played a crucial role in shaping public opinion, but it was also subject to restrictions and censorship.

The book trade responded to these challenges by practicing self-censorship, ensuring that their publications did not offend political or religious authorities. At times, government and the book trade colluded in a policy of policing rather than punishment, targeting those who published material that was deemed to be harmful or subversive.

In conclusion, the interplay between communication, politics, and religion in early modern England was complex and multifaceted. The loss of pre-publication licensing in 1695 did not unleash a free press on an unsuspecting political class, but rather led to a transition from pre-publication censorship to post-publication restraint. Political and religious authorities continued to shape and manipulate information, leading to self-censorship practices within the book trade. The period after 1695 witnessed the emergence of new political and religious ideologies, as well as the debates surrounding them. While the press played a crucial role in shaping public opinion, it was also subject to restrictions and censorship.

Dimension: 234 x 156 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781783275175