Printing and Publishing Technologies, 1700–1820

doi:10.1017/9781009182881.004

Chapter 2 - Printing and Publishing Technologies, 1700–1820

from Part I - Genealogies

Published online by Cambridge University Press: 19 January 2023

Máire Kennedy

Edited by

Margaret Kelleher and

James O'Sullivan

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Margaret Kelleher: Affiliation:
University College Dublin
James O'Sullivan: Affiliation:
University College Cork

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Summary

This chapter looks at the period 1700 to 1820, one of profound change in Ireland as technological advances coupled with social and educational developments deeply influenced the intellectual and literary landscape. In the six and a half centuries since the invention of printing many new technologies affected the creation, distribution, consumption, and enjoyment of printed texts. Innovations and developments in printing, typefounding, papermaking, and marketing contributed to the advance of literary culture. The rise in education from the eighteenth century created an audience for literature in its many forms. Imaginative writing developed and attracted new audiences as literacy expanded among different cohorts. The newspaper provided the most comprehensive medium for the dissemination of information. Literacy was not necessarily a requirement as evidence shows that one newspaper could be shared among readers and read aloud to groups of listeners. Print advertising, an eighteenth-century innovation, increased the market for literary works.

Keywords

Advertising circulating libraries copyright literacy literary magazines newspapers paper printing press type

Type: Chapter
Information: Technology in Irish Literature and Culture , pp. 29 - 48

DOI: https://doi.org/10.1017/9781009182881.004 [Opens in a new window]

Publisher: Cambridge University Press

Print publication year: 2023

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