The Specter of the Archive: Political Practice and the Information State in Early Modern Britain

The Specter of the Archive explores the rise of paper in early modern Britain and its impact on politics and society, raising questions about the origins of modern information management and its potential consequences.

Format: Hardback
Length: 320 pages
Publication date: 24 January 2024
Publisher: The University of Chicago Press

The proliferation of paper in early modern Britain had a profound impact on politics and society, transforming the way information was managed and consumed. In his book, The Specter of the Archive, Nicholas Popper explores the challenges posed by the overwhelming abundance of paper in this period.

Prior to the advent of paper, information was often lost or difficult to access. However, with the introduction of this lightweight and durable technology, statesmen could record drafts, memoranda, and other ephemera that would have otherwise been lost. This led to the development of political archives, such as the Tower of London Record Office and the State Paper Office, which became central to the management of information.

The spread of paper also allowed ordinary people to collect political texts, which had previously been reserved for the elite. This democratization of information led to a greater awareness of political issues and a more engaged citizenry. However, the abundance of information also created new challenges.

Information management became the core of politics, as governments struggled to keep track of the vast amounts of paperwork that flooded their offices. This led to the development of new systems of organization and classification, such as the Calendar of State Papers and the Catalogue of the Royal Library.

The circulation of these materials through the government and the broader public sphere was a complex process. Governments used archives to shape public opinion, presenting certain documents to the public while withholding others. This selective presentation of information could influence public perception and political outcomes.

At the same time, the availability of widely available information posed risks to democracy. The spread of misinformation and propaganda could lead to polarization and extremism, as people were more likely to believe information that reinforced their existing beliefs. This was particularly evident in the context of political propaganda during the English Civil Wars and the French Revolution.

The Specter of the Archive is a thought-provoking exploration of the origins of many issues we face today, including the role of archives in shaping public opinion, the reliability of historical records, and the risks of information overload. Popper's book provides valuable insights into the complex relationship between information, power, and democracy in early modern Britain and offers a cautionary tale for our media-saturated society.

Weight: 594g
Dimension: 229 x 152 x 28 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780226825953