How had the printing press created a new culture of reading in Europe?
Answer :
A CHAPBOOK.
Points to remember :
- Access to books created a new culture of reading.
- Literacy rate became as high as 60-80% in a lot of parts in Europe.
- New forms of literature like chapbooks developed.
- Now the books were less expensive and could be produced in sufficient number.
- People began interested in reading about reason,science and rationality.
Answer to be written in the exam :
Increase in literacy rate:
- By the end of the 18th century, literacy rate was as high as 60 to 80 % in several parts of Europe. As literacy and schools spread in European countries, there was a virtual reading mania.
New forms of literature:
- In England, penny chapbooks were sold by petty peddlers known as chapmen for a penny, so that even the poor people could buy them easily.
- In France, 'Bibliotheque Bleue' were printed, which were low-priced small books printed on poor quality paper and bound in cheap blue covers.
Periodicals:
- The Periodical Press developed from the early 18th century, combining information about current affairs with entertainment, about wars and trade, as well as news of developments in other places. Ideas of scientists and philosophers, such as– Isaac Newton, Thomas Paine, Voltaire, Jean Jacques Rousseau, etc. now became more accessible to the common people. Ancient and medieval scientific texts were compiled and published, and maps and scientific diagrams were widely printed.
- Thus, their ideas about science, reason and rationality found their way into popular literature.
(1 x 3 points)
