Print did play an integral role in the success of the Reformation and she might be a child of Gutenberg, however she was not alone “Printing was a revolution in that it made more identical copies at lower cost available should not be credited with the intellectual and psychological changes that were really the result of a new method of reading. Whether manuscript or text” (Chartier). There are so many components that play into the successes of the Reformation during the 16th century. However, for the purpose of this assignment we will concentrate on the growth of printed materials and the effects it may have had on literacy rates, the potential dangers of reading and the availability of vernacular printed materials.
Winning the hearts of the …show more content…
In his book he claims that the data is clear, from 1500-1800 the percentage of signers did rise sharply throughout Europe. And it is in his book that he attempts to make a rough estimate from this collected date to establish a rough estimate of literacy rates in Europe during the 16th century. “The important point is that between 1500 and 1800 the progress of literacy was neither steady nor uninterrupted. It is this, perhaps, which distinguishes our period most sharply from the 19th century, when the advent of mass education inaugurated an era of steady improvement” (Chartier).
While Chartier examines signature rates to determine the effects of printing and literacy rates of the period, author Andrew Pettegree examines “coherent narratives of print from the 1450’s” through a broad range of never before available, online resources in his book, The Book in the Renaissance. Pettegree explains that through the cost effective and mass production printed material progressively extended away from methodical, theoretical, intellectual and dogmatic manuscripts that previously dominated the book trade of the 15th …show more content…
“Recreational reading of the 16th century – fit into an older tradition where leisure hours were spent in the company of others,” states Pettegree. (Pettegree). Books could be read aloud, admired and even discussed in the company of others. Or entirely privately on your own at your leisure. For Chartier, “Silent reading opened new horizons for those who mastered it. Radically transforming intellectual works that ultimately became an “intimate” activity” (Chartier). Private reading, allowed for the development of personal piety, a private devotion and relationship with God outside of the confines of the discipline and mediation of the
Winning the hearts of the …show more content…
In his book he claims that the data is clear, from 1500-1800 the percentage of signers did rise sharply throughout Europe. And it is in his book that he attempts to make a rough estimate from this collected date to establish a rough estimate of literacy rates in Europe during the 16th century. “The important point is that between 1500 and 1800 the progress of literacy was neither steady nor uninterrupted. It is this, perhaps, which distinguishes our period most sharply from the 19th century, when the advent of mass education inaugurated an era of steady improvement” (Chartier).
While Chartier examines signature rates to determine the effects of printing and literacy rates of the period, author Andrew Pettegree examines “coherent narratives of print from the 1450’s” through a broad range of never before available, online resources in his book, The Book in the Renaissance. Pettegree explains that through the cost effective and mass production printed material progressively extended away from methodical, theoretical, intellectual and dogmatic manuscripts that previously dominated the book trade of the 15th …show more content…
“Recreational reading of the 16th century – fit into an older tradition where leisure hours were spent in the company of others,” states Pettegree. (Pettegree). Books could be read aloud, admired and even discussed in the company of others. Or entirely privately on your own at your leisure. For Chartier, “Silent reading opened new horizons for those who mastered it. Radically transforming intellectual works that ultimately became an “intimate” activity” (Chartier). Private reading, allowed for the development of personal piety, a private devotion and relationship with God outside of the confines of the discipline and mediation of the