Abstract
At the beginning of the 19th century the political importance of communication instigated the expansion of the use of the printing press. Printers are an essential element to consolidate the process, not only thanks to their role in publishing but also due to the production and diffusion of political messages and government instructions. Their skills to gain positions close to the government in order to achieve good requests for minor printings, make them keep certain political loyalties.This thesis explores the ideological influence of historical accumulation of legislation about press and printers, and how this determines the subsequent behaviours in front of censorship and political underground. During constitutional periods (1810-1814; 1820-1823), the arguments about press freedom establish the core of the political discussion about the authentic meaning of liberty .
Censorship and the underground are analysed as well as the proceedings and the distribution nets of official papers and books. There is a chapter dedicated to the women printers. The scope is limited to Catalan publishing.
The preliminary report is complemented by a biographical directory of Catalan printers between 1800 and 1833 that shows the organization of lineages and their relations.
The thesis is complemented by documental contributions: official texts and copies of reports by the Printing Trade, the Inquisition, etc.
| Date of Award | 22 Dec 2009 |
|---|---|
| Original language | Catalan |
| Supervisor | Borja de Riquer Permanyer (Director) |