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: Paperback / softback
Length: 320 pages
Publication date: 04 January 2024
Publisher: The University of Chicago Press

The proliferation of paper in early modern Britain had a profound impact on politics and society, as revealed in Nicholas Popper's book, The Specter of the Archive. In this era, the availability of paper, a lightweight and durable technology, allowed for the recording and collection of drafts, memoranda, and other ephemera, which would have otherwise been lost. This led to the centralization of information management in politics, as governments struggled to keep track of the vast amounts of paperwork that flooded their offices.

Popper's book focuses on two primary political archives in early modern England: the Tower of London Record Office and the State Paper Office. He traces the circulation of their materials through the government and the broader public sphere, highlighting the ways in which they shaped public perception and political discourse. One of the key themes of the book is the question of who shapes the archive. Popper argues that the archive is not a neutral repository of historical information, but rather a tool that is shaped by the interests and biases of those who create and maintain it. This means that the images of the past and present that the archive presents are not necessarily accurate or unbiased.

Another important theme of the book is the risk of polarization and extremism in a society that is saturated with widely available information. Popper argues that the sheer volume of information available can contribute to the spread of misinformation and the formation of echo chambers, where people are only exposed to information that confirms their existing beliefs. This can lead to a breakdown in civil discourse and a rise in political extremism, as people become more isolated and less willing to engage with those who hold different views.

Overall, The Specter of the Archive is a thought-provoking and important book that sheds light on the complex relationship between information, power, and politics in early modern Britain. It provides a valuable insight into the origins of many of the issues that we face today, including the role of the archive in shaping our understanding of the past and the potential risks of a media-saturated society.

Weight: 514g
Dimension: 152 x 229 x 22 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780226825977