early modern publishing

Early modern publishing, roughly from the 15th to 17th centuries, was a period of significant change driven by the invention of the printing press. It made books more widely available, reducing the cost and increasing distribution across Europe. Publishers curated and produced texts on science, literature, religion, and politics, shaping public ideas and literacy. This era saw the rise of the modern book industry, with publishers managing authors, printing, and distribution, fostering the spread of new knowledge and cultural exchange. It laid the foundation for contemporary publishing practices and the democratization of information.