Publishing, Politics, and Culture

This book presents the fullest account so far published of any London printing firm in the reign of James I. The King's Printing House stood at the top of the publishing trade-responsible for printing the Bible, and other works promoted by James. The office of King's Printer, held by Robert Barker, attracted the predatory attentions of the book-trade partnership of John and Bonham Norton, and John Bill. The ensuing bitter rivalries involved sharp practice, and downright thuggery-with dramatic lawsuits to match. Barker was up against individuals who understood better than he that they were in business to promote the king's politico-cultural programme, and extend his influence at home and abroad. That is exactly what the Nortons and Bill did, and so effectively that Bill, with his unique experience of the domestic and continental book trade, eventually became the greatest London publisher of his generation.