Shakespeare and the London Publishing Environment: The Publisher and Prnters of Q1 and Q2 Hamlet

Abstract

The Worshipful Company of Stationers was the sole provider of books printed in England from its royal charter granted by Mary I on 4 May 1557 until the copyright acts of Anne in 1708-09. It controlled copyright through the entry of approved manuscripts; it printed the books; it vended the books; and it regulated its members' conduct of business. Since the Stationer's Company was also a craft/trade guild, much like the Butchers, Goldsmiths, Merchant Taylors, Cordwainers, and the like, it not only had commercial interests but fraternal ones as well. Odd as it may seem today, these companies were concerned with both the advancement of profit of entrepreneurs and working conditions of employees, all of whom were freemen of the company.