Print Technology in Scotland and America, 1740–1800

This book explores the role of print in shaping political culture in Scotland and America, revealing its complex influence on societal tensions. Print Technology in Scotland and America, 1740–1800 offers a fresh perspective.

In Print Technology in Scotland and America, 1740–1800, Louis Kirk McAuley delves into the intricate relationship between print culture and political dynamics in both Scotland and America. The book spans a significant historical period, from the fervent transatlantic religious revivals of the Great Awakening to the pivotal U.S. presidential election of 1800. By examining these events, McAuley highlights the complex interplay between unity and fragmentation that defined the literary and cultural landscapes of the eighteenth century in both regions.

The author meticulously investigates how these cultural tensions influenced the perception and role of print as a tool for empire and nation-building. Rather than viewing print solely as a liberating force, McAuley presents it as a nuanced mediator of political strife. He draws attention to various seemingly unrelated occurrences, such as journalism and literary forgery, and illustrates how they were innovative uses of print that shaped public discourse and political thought.

Ultimately, Print Technology in Scotland and America, 1740–1800 serves as a vital contribution to the understanding of how print technology not only reflected but also actively participated in the evolving political and cultural narratives of the time. McAuley’s exploration invites readers to reconsider the transformative power of print in shaping societal values and political ideologies across the Atlantic World.