Print Culture and Everyday Life

A type of parchment made from animal skin, used for writing in the Middle Ages.

Printing using carved wooden blocks with letters or images, used for creating copies of texts.

The route connecting Europe to Asia, used for centuries to trade goods like silk and spices.

A famous Italian explorer who traveled to China in the 13th century and brought back knowledge of woodblock printing to Europe.

Books produced using handwritten scripts, typically written by skilled scribes.

Groups of people who copied and wrote books by hand; they were skilled in calligraphy.

Places where books were bought and sold, often organized into fairs.

A book printed in Korea using movable metal type, one of the oldest known printed books in the world.

A type of small, inexpensive book sold by traveling pedlars, especially popular in England during the 16th century.

Traveling pedlars who sold chapbooks and other small printed materials.

A collection of cheap, small books printed on low-quality paper and bound in blue covers, popular in France.

Short, printed stories that were often romantic in nature and typically only 4-6 pages long.

Longer, printed narratives about historical events or figures.

Publications that combine information about current affairs with entertainment, often published regularly.

Printed calendars that included astronomical information, as well as agricultural and religious observances.

Songs or poems that were often sung in public and sometimes sold as printed sheets.

The practice of creating, distributing, and consuming written materials, encompassing processes like printing, publishing, and reading.

A publishing house specializing in children's literature, emerging in France in 1857, focusing on both original works and traditional tales.

A process where traditional folk tales were collected, edited, and published, excluding content deemed unsuitable for children.

Cheap magazines targeting women, primarily focused on providing instructions for proper conduct and domestic duties.

The rise of novels in the 19th century, particularly in England, with women authors like Jane Austen, the Brontë sisters, and George Eliot.

Libraries established in the 17th century that became prominent in the 19th century, playing a crucial role in educating the working class.

The act of reading despite limitations, often reflecting a strong desire for knowledge even amidst hardships.

People from the working class who were self-taught and wrote about their own experiences, often highlighting the challenges they faced.

The practice of publishing newspapers, magazines, and other printed materials.

A weekly magazine established in 1780 by James Augustus Hickey, known for its independent reporting and criticism of the East India Company.

The governor-general of India who persecuted James Hickey for his critical reporting in the Bengal Gazette.

The practice of promoting or supporting newspapers that align with the government's agenda.

The first Indian newspaper, established by Gangadhar Bhattacharya, who was associated with Rammohun Roy.

The early attempts at printing in India were hindered by a lack of publicly available printing presses.

The import and sale of slaves was a major business activity in the early days of British colonialism in India, and these advertisements were often published.

The early English newspapers in India were often characterized by gossip and criticism of the East India Company's officials.

A German monk who advocated for the use of the printing press to spread religious ideas, specifically the Bible.

A list of books banned by the Roman Catholic Church due to their perceived threat to religious orthodoxy.

A law passed by the British government in India that aimed to control and censor the vernacular press, particularly newspapers published in Indian languages.

The Gutenberg press was the first printing press invented in Europe. It used movable metal type to create copies of books.

Erasmus believed printed books could spread knowledge and promote education, leading to a more enlightened society.

The spread of print culture in 19th century India allowed women to access information, participate in public debates, and contribute to social reform movements.

The spread of print culture in 19th century India made information accessible to the poor, fostering literacy and promoting social awareness.

The period of time in the late 18th and 19th centuries saw significant advancements in printing technology, leading to faster and more efficient printing processes.

Richard M. Hoe's invention in the mid-19th century, the power-driven cylindrical press, revolutionized printing by enabling high-speed production of 8,000 sheets per hour. This was particularly useful for newspapers, allowing for faster distribution of news.

The offset press, developed in the late 19th century, allowed for multi-color printing, up to six colors at a time. This innovation brought color and vibrancy to printed materials.

The early 20th century saw another leap in printing efficiency with the introduction of electrically operated presses. This further sped up the printing process, making mass production even more feasible.

Throughout the 19th and early 20th centuries, printing technology continued to evolve with improvements in various aspects, including paper feeding, plate quality, automated paper reels, and photoelectric color controls. These advancements significantly impacted the appearance and quality of printed materials.

In the 19th Century, periodicals adopted a new strategy to sell their products by serializing important novels, creating a distinct way of writing novels specifically for a serialized format.

In the 1920s in England, a new trend emerged in the publishing industry, with popular works being sold in cheap series known as the Shilling Series. This made literature more accessible to a wider audience by reducing costs.

The shortened working day in the mid-19th century allowed workers more time for self-improvement and expression. This led to an increase in the production of political tracts and autobiographies.