A Brief History of Printing. Part II: The Economic History of Printing

by Frederick W. (Frederick William) Hamilton

"A Brief History of Printing. Part II: The Economic History of Printing" by Frederick W. Hamilton is a historical account likely written in the early 20th century. The work focuses on the economic dimensions surrounding the printing industry from the advent of printing in the mid-15th century through to the French Revolution in 1789. It delves into government regulations, labor conditions, and the evolving dynamics of the trade guilds impacted by the rise of printing. The opening of this volume introduces a thorough analysis of the printing industry’s economic landscape during a transformative period. It highlights how printers operated largely outside established guild systems, contending with governmental oversight and fluctuating market demands. Hamilton outlines how apprenticeships were structured, exploring the socioeconomic conditions faced by various classes of workers within the industry. He also contextualizes the historical significance of printing as not merely an industrial endeavor but as a pivotal influence on societal thought and subsequent revolutions, setting the stage for a detailed exploration of regulations, labor relations, and the inevitable shifts leading to modernization.