Elizabethan Publishing and the Makings of Literary Culture

This insightful exploration of the book trade reveals how Elizabethan Publishing and the Makings of Literary Culture shaped English literary traditions in the Elizabethan era.

In Elizabethan Publishing and the Makings of Literary Culture, the author delves into the intricate practices of publishers during the Elizabethan era. This comprehensive examination includes the acquisition of texts, alterations made to them, and the reissuing of works. By exploring the connections between the book trade and the literary culture of the time, the book provides valuable insights into how publishing shaped the literary landscape of Elizabethan England.

The narrative focuses on the significant impact of the book trade on English literature, particularly after the establishment of the Stationers’ Company in 1557. Through the lens of influential figures such as Thomas Hacket, Richard Smith, and Paul Linley, Kirk Melnikoff highlights the essential role that publishers played in bringing literary texts to print. These bookmen not only facilitated the distribution of literature but also invigorated a new wave of vernacular literary activity.

The volume presents a thorough overview of publishers' practices, including specialization and the reissuing of texts. It features four compelling case studies that examine the relationships between translation, travel narratives, authorship, and professional drama. Notable works discussed include Shakespeare’s Hamlet, Thévet’s The New Found World, Constable’s Diana, and Marlowe’s Dido, Queen of Carthage. This book serves as both a complement and a counterpoint to recent studies on the creators and consumers of vernacular literary culture in the late sixteenth century.