Bookscapes through Microhistory : Looking for the (Un)common Reader in Early Modern England

Abstract

This essay is an investigation into book history, inspired by microhistory and supported by archival research. It offers a reflection on what microhistory, in Carlo Ginzburg’s acceptation and practice, can contribute to a history of the book that wishes to keep the reader in the picture and considers the study of unique events as central to an understanding of culture and ideas at any given time. It traces “uncommon” readers in early modernity – readers who, in view of the unexpected ways in which book-objects circulated, may have chanced upon and encountered texts otherwise considered out of their reach. How did they respond to them? Did they, or others in their stead, leave records of “uncommon” readings? What could such records contribute to our knowledge of early modernity?

Keywords

• microhistory
• Carlo Ginzburg
• book history
• book circulation
• early modern readers