7 - The book-trade under Edward VI and Mary I

Summary

In memoriam Jennifer Loach

The reigns of Edward VI (1547–53) and Mary I (1553–8) exemplify sharply contrasting responses to the use of the book-trade as an ideological and political instrument and to the dissemination of religious propaganda. Although these rulers shared little more than one decade of government between the long reigns of Henry VIII and Elizabeth I, Edward and Mary are remembered as the monarchs who endorsed vehement efforts, respectively, to impose the Protestant Reformation and to restore Catholic orthodoxy. During Edward’s reign as a minor, Protestant propaganda flooded London book stalls and provincial markets. In contrast to Parliament’s relaxation of prior restraints upon publication and extension of relative freedom of discussion to the Protestant reformers at the outset of Edward’s reign, his government effectively silenced the Catholic opposition by denying it access to the press. Although Mary’s government does not deserve its reputation for failing to understand the power of the press to influence public opinion, it chose to address itself to a continental audience instead of mounting a propaganda attack against Protestants in England. Furthermore, it proved incapable of preventing the importation and sale of reformist books that had been printed surreptitiously on the Continent.

The accession of Edward VI was marked by a renunciation of prior censorship and licensing regulations that had been imposed during the reign of Henry VIII. After the Privy Council appointed the King’s uncle, Edward Seymour, as Protector of the Realm during the royal minority, the Royal Injunctions of 31 July 1547 led the way when they ‘auctorised and licensed’ all individuals to read and interpret the Bible and related writings.