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- In the 17th and 18th century, literacy rates went up in most parts of Europe.
- Churches set up schools in villages, carrying literacy to even peasants and artisans.
- This made literacy rates as high as 60-80% in some parts of Europe.
- Books began to be produced in high numbers as demand increased.
- New forms of literature emerged.
- Calendars also began to be printed.
- In England, Chapbooks began to be sold by Chapmen. They were sold for 1 penny , so that even the poor could buy them.
- CHAPBOOKS - pocket sized books that are sold by travelling pedlars/chapmen . Became popular after 16th century, print revolution.
- In France, ‘ Biliotheque Bleue’ were low priced small books printed on poor quality paper and bound in cheap blue covers.
- Books were of various sizes, serving many purposes and interests.
- Newspapers and Journals began to be printed carrying information about wars, trade as well as development.
- The ideas of scientists and philosophers also began to be printed and were accessible to people now.
- Maps and scientific diagrams also began to be read.
- Scientists like Newton, began to publish their discoveries.
- Writings of thinkers like Thomas Paine, Voltaire and Rousseau were also read and printed.
- Hence, ideas about science, reason and rationality also found its way in popular literature.
TREMBLE, TYRANTS OF THE WORLD :
- It was felt that books were means of spreading progress and enlightenment.
- Books could change the world and free the people from despotism (unregulated governments) and tyranny (cruel power).
- Louise Sebastien Mercier, novelist in 18th century, declared, ’Printing press is the most powerful engine of progress and public opinion is the force that will sweep despotism away.’
- In his novels, Heroes are transformed by acts of reading and become enlightened.
PRINT CULTURE AND FRENCH REVOLUTION :
- It is very likely that the print had influenced the French Revolution in many ways.
- Print popularised the ideas of Enlightenment thinkers. Their writings criticized tradition, superstition and despotism.
- They argued for the rule of reason rather than custom and demanded rationality.
- They attacked authority of the church and power of the state, challenging the social order based on tradition.
- People became aware of the power of reason and recognised the need to question existing ideas and beliefs.
- By 1780s, literature that came in mocked royalty and criticized their morality.
- Cartoons and caricatures showed that the monarchy remained confined only in pleasures while common people suffered hardships.
- This literature led to growth of hostile sentiments against the monarchy.
