You're Dead to Me: Episode Summary – Printing in England (Radio Edit)

Podcast Information

• Title: You're Dead to Me
• Host: Greg Jenner
• Episode: Printing in England (Radio Edit)
• Release Date: October 11, 2024
• Description: You're Dead to Me is a BBC Radio 4 comedy podcast that takes history seriously. Hosted by Greg Jenner, the podcast brings together the best names in comedy and history to explore and laugh about the past.

Introduction: Journey to the 15th Century

Hosted by Greg Jenner, the episode dives into the first 100 years of book printing in England. Filmed live from the Hay Literary Festival in Wales, Jenner introduces the topic with enthusiasm, setting the stage for an engaging exploration of early printing technology and its impact on English society.

Meet the Guests

• Dr. Lydia Zeldenrust (Timestamp: 03:14)
  A lecturer in Middle English literature at the University of Glasgow, Dr. Zeldenrust specializes in late medieval literature and works extensively with both manuscripts and early printed books.

• Robin Ince (Timestamp: 03:17)
  An acclaimed comedian, author, and broadcaster, Robin Ince is best known for co-hosting the BBC Radio 4 program The Infinite Monkey Cage. His humorous and insightful perspectives add a comedic flair to the historical discussions.

William Caxton and the Birth of English Printing

Caxton's First Printed Book
William Caxton’s Recoil of the Histories of Troy holds the distinction of being the first book printed in English (Timestamp: 07:10). Interestingly, although Caxton was English, the book was printed in Flanders—a hub for cultural and economic activity during that period. Dr. Zeldenrust explains:

“It wasn’t printed in England but abroad in Flanders, probably for exportation towards England” (07:10).

Caxton’s Background and Influence
Caxton was not born into a printing family. Instead, he was a successful merchant who became interested in printing during a short exile in Cologne (Timestamp: 07:31). His venture into printing was significantly influenced by the Burgundian court and the patronage of Duke Philip the Good of Burgundy.

“Caxton’s work brought him into contact with the Burgundian court and Margaret of York, who supported his translations and printings” (08:54).

Printing Technology Origins
The episode delves into the origins of printing technology, highlighting that while Gutenberg is often credited with inventing the printing press in Mainz, Germany, the concept of printing precedes him. Dr. Zeldenrust provides insight into East Asian contributions:

“Printing was an Asian invention, with paper invented in China in the first century CE and printing starting in the seventh century” (10:23).

Spread of Printing Technology in Europe

Gutenberg’s Innovations
Gutenberg perfected existing printing techniques, notably the metal movable type and the creation of a press that applied equal pressure, ensuring consistent ink distribution (Timestamp: 12:23).

“He invented a press that put equal pressure on the page, so the ink gets distributed equally” (12:23).

Arrival in England
After establishing printing in continental Europe, the technology crossed the English Channel when Caxton returned to England and set up his press in London. His strategic location near Westminster Abbey and the Inns of Court allowed him to target lawyers, scholars, and nobility effectively (Timestamp: 13:03).

Early Printers: The Pioneers of English Printing

Foreign Expertise
Early printers in England were predominantly immigrants from the Low Countries and northern France. This led to a blend of continental and local printing practices, although it also sparked public hostility towards foreign craftsmen over time (Timestamp: 14:42).

“Early printers in England were from abroad, but public hostility grew, leading to laws restricting foreign printers from 1523 onwards” (15:39).

Types of Texts Printed
The printing industry in England catered to a diverse array of texts, including:

• Legal Treatises (Timestamp: 16:43)
  Essential for lawyers and scholars, these texts ensured a steady market as new students required updated materials.

• Narrative Fiction and Verse (Timestamp: 16:43)
  Printers like Caxton capitalized on popular stories, contributing to the literary canon.

• Religious Instructions (Timestamp: 17:35)
  Religious texts played a significant role, especially with the rise of Protestantism.

• Music and School Books (Timestamp: 20:39)
  By the late 16th century, even music was being printed, and schoolbooks became a profitable niche.

“Printers produced a wide variety of texts, from legal treatises to narrative fiction and religious instructions” (16:43).

Impact on Society and Language

Standardization of Language
One of the most profound impacts of printing was the standardization of the English language. Printers began to fix spellings, some influenced by continental languages, which has left a lasting legacy on modern English.

“Printing plays a key role in the standardization of language, introducing consistent spellings that we still use today” (22:25).

Vernacular Literature and Education
Printing made vernacular literature more accessible, not just for literature but also for scientific and scholarly works. This shift helped move away from Latin, making education more inclusive for the literate elite.

“Print established the vernacular as suitable for science and learning, not just literature” (21:26).

Role in the Protestant Reformation
Echoing historical perspectives, Dr. Zeldenrust acknowledges that printing was instrumental in spreading Protestant ideas and revolutionary scientific thoughts across Europe (Timestamp: 21:26).

“Printing was associated with the spread of new ideas, including Protestantism and revolutionary scientific concepts” (21:26).

Challenges: Copyright and Conflict

Lack of Copyright Laws
In the nascent printing industry, there were no copyright protections, leading to rampant piracy and plagiarism. Printers frequently copied each other’s work, often with poor quality.

“There is no copyright, so printers could steal each other’s work, leading to pirated copies” (18:14).

Violence in the Printing Trade
The competitive nature of early printing sometimes led to extreme measures. A notable incident involved Henry the typecutter, who killed his Dutch printer boss to negotiate his exit from the business (Timestamp: 18:58).

“Henry stabbed his boss in the head with his typecutting tools” (19:15).

Women in Early Printing

Women as Printers and Consumers
While the printing industry was male-dominated, women played significant roles both as consumers and as printers. Figures like Elizabeth Pickering printed books under their own names in the 1540s, defying societal norms.

“Women printers, often widows, like Elizabeth Pickering, began printing under their own names in the 1540s” (27:00).

Challenges and Perceptions
The rise of female readership and involvement in printing sparked fears among authorities about the influence of educated women, leading to scrutiny and panic over women's literacy.

“The rise of women readers led to fears that educated women were dangerous to society” (28:12).

Myths and Realities of the Printing Revolution

Print vs. Manuscript Culture
Contrary to popular belief, the advent of printing did not instantly revolutionize society. For centuries, manuscript and printed books coexisted, with early printed books often emulating the appearance of manuscripts to appeal to established tastes.

“Print was often billed as a revolution, but it was far from an overnight sensation. Manuscripts and printed books existed side by side for a long time” (25:50).

Accessibility of Printed Books
Early printed books were expensive and predominantly owned by wealthy, educated elites. Contrary to the myth that printing made books accessible to everyone, they remained luxury items for centuries.

“Early printed books were still very expensive and often large, making them accessible only to wealthy literati” (25:50).

Preservation and Quality
High-quality paper and meticulous production meant that many 500-year-old printed books are in better condition than modern paperbacks, underscoring the significant investment in early printing.

“Some 500-year-old books are in much better shape than my own 10-year-old paperbacks” (25:50).

Conclusion: The Gradual Influence of Printing

Dr. Lydia Zeldenrust emphasizes that while printing was a groundbreaking development, its influence was gradual and intertwined with existing cultural and social structures. The true democratization of book ownership and literacy took centuries, laying the foundation for the modern information age.

“It takes centuries before we get to a point where the average person can afford books or printed books” (25:50).

Greg Jenner wraps up the episode with humor and reflection, highlighting the enduring legacy of early printing and its role in shaping English society.

Notable Quotes:

• Robin Ince at 04:09:
  “I always find that I should be the stupidest person in the room because then you're in the right room.”

• Dr. Lydia Zeldenrust at 07:10:
  “Caxton’s work brought him into contact with the Burgundian court and Margaret of York, who supported his translations and printings.”

• Greg Jenner at 16:31:
  “I like the ink squisher job that squishy squish it down.”

• Dr. Lydia Zeldenrust at 25:50:
  “Print was often billed as a revolution, but it was far from an overnight sensation.”

This episode of You're Dead to Me masterfully combines historical scholarship with comedic banter, making the intricate history of early English printing both informative and entertaining. Whether you're a history buff or simply curious about the past, this episode offers a rich exploration of how printing shaped English culture and society.