The Enlightenment is defined as a literary movement, which emerged from the Protestant Reformation, that emphasized philosophy, politics, (democracy and reasoning), and science, moving away from religion. A lot of these new ideas were products of the translated literature that was published during the 18th century and circulated in Europe. The spread of these ideas and translations lead to the growth of the book market. With the growth of the market came the introduction of copyright laws, a growth in libraries, and a decline in censorship.
During the Enlightenment, reading habits changed significantly; people read more for pleasure and to expand their knowledge. Many writers experimented with new genres and storytelling techniques. Some well-known Enlightenment writers are Albert Einstein, Jean-Jacques Rousseau, John Locke, Montesquieu, and Immanuel Kant. These authors are often the ones most thought of when one thinks of the Enlightenment era, but many women were involved in publishing during this time period.
Some significant women authors of the Enlightenment are Mary Wollstonecraft, Olympe de Gouges, Catherine Macaulay, Mary Astell, Mary Chudleigh, and Louise d’Épinay who advocated for the education and the rights of women. During most of the Enlightenment, a married woman had to have her husband’s permission to publish her work. However, women gradually accessed publishing more easily during the 18th century as more books were targeted toward female readers and a more commercial attitude was adopted by publishers.
The copyright act of 1709
The copyright act of 1709 is the first copyright ever passed in the British Parliament. The act is also known as the Statute of Anne, named after the Queen of England. The act began its term on April 10, 1710, after other attempts at similar legislation failed to be enacted. The bill granted publishers 14 years of legal protection and 21 years of protection for books already published. The act could be renewed after the 14-year term if the author was still alive.
The Growth of Libraries
Libraries, as we know them today, are products of the Enlightenment. Starting in the 17th century, libraries were key to developing Enlightenment ideals. Bibliothèque Mazarine is the oldest library in France and attempted to collect books on every subject to promote study and research. Today it has one of the most abundant collections of rare books and manuscripts in France. The Library Company of Philadelphia is America’s first and oldest lending library that was founded by enterprising citizens who wanted to learn about science and philosophy. The two goals of Enlightenment were to support the creation of knowledge and to spread that knowledge.
“In 1731, Benjamin Franklin convinced members of the Junto, his “society of mutual improvement,” to pool their resources and purchase a collection of books none could have afforded individually. Articles of Agreement were drafted on July 1, 1731, and the Library Company of Philadelphia was established when 50 founding shareholders signed on. Each contributed 40 shillings and agreed to pay ten shillings per year thereafter. As the Library Company’s collection grew, the book capital of each shareholder expanded as well.”
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Magazine publishing as we know it today started after the invention of printing in the West. The earliest magazine is believed to be the German “Edifying Monthly Discussions.” Magazines during this time period summarized and advertised books or contained court news.
Front page of The Gentleman’s Magazine, founded by Edward Cave in London in January 1731. Wikimedia Commons