The first full-length study of printing, writing and reading at a crucial period in Italian and European culture.This is the first full-length study of a topic of central importance to the development of Italian and European culture. The spread of printing to Renaissance Italy had a dramatic impact on all users of books. As works came to be diffused more widely and cheaply, and reading became a more popular activity, so authors adapted their writing and methods of publishing to the demands and opportunities of the new medium. Brian Richardson focuses on the interaction between the book industry and written culture at this crucial period.This is the first full-length study of a topic of central importance to the development of Italian and European culture. The spread of printing to Renaissance Italy had a dramatic impact on all users of books. As works came to be diffused more widely and cheaply, and reading became a more popular activity, so authors adapted their writing and methods of publishing to the demands and opportunities of the new medium. Brian Richardson focuses on the interaction between the book industry and written culture at this crucial period.This is a full-length study of a topic of central importance to the development of Italian and European culture. The spread of printing to Renaissance Italy had a dramatic impact on all users of books. As works came to be diffused more widely and cheaply, and reading became a more popular activity, so authors adapted their writing and methods of publishing to the demands and opportunities of the new medium. Brian Richardson focuses on the interaction between the book industry and written culture at this crucial period.Part I. Printing and Book Production: 1. The arrival of printing and its techniques; 2. Publishing, bookselling and the control of books; Part II. Writers and Print Culture: 3. Publication in print: patronage, contracts and privileges; 4. From pen to print: writers and their use of the press; Part lĂ#