Literary patronage in Medieval England, 1350‐1550

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to describe the change literary patronage underwent in England after the introduction of print, and attempt to explain the causes for the shift.

Design/methodology/approach

Provides a historical review of the period.

Findings

The practice became more of a marketing tool in bookmaking. The patronage of printed books was one of endorsement. It was a patronage that came from the use of a prestigious or powerful name, not from the financial support of a wealthy personage. Literary patronage of late Medieval England was a practice of financial support. A person of wealth would accept the financial responsibility involved with the production of literary materials. The patron became an important part of the bookmaking process and without the contributions of a patron most books would not have been produced. After the invention of the printing press, the role of patronage changed.

Research limitations/implications

Analyses an era in the history of book publishing in England and should be of interest to scholars of Medieval England, and publishing and library history.

Originality/value

Provides a review of patronage in an important era for changes in publishing.

Citation

Walsh, J. (2009), "Literary patronage in Medieval England, 1350‐1550", Library Review, Vol. 58 No. 6, pp. 451-460. https://doi.org/10.1108/00242530910969802