Did censorship exist before the invention of the printing press and the Index Librorum Prohibitorum? This study examines the attempted suppression of written religious and political dissent in pre-Reformation England, with a focus on legal aspects and historical context. A wide range of instruments was in use to discourage the circulation of unwelcome books. They ranged from drastic measures such as executions and public book burnings to more subtle approaches like erasures and reader warnings. Wycliffite writings were the most obvious target, but civil censorship developed at the same time. Even books of magic make a rare appearance in the records. An interesting aspect is the paradox of censorship: The very act of suppression generated publicity, and many heterodox doctrines are only known from their own condemnation.
This study explores censorship in late medieval England, focusing on legal aspects and historical context. Censorship instruments are categorized by their focus - doctrines, books, or people. They ranged from book burnings to more subtle methods. While heresy was the most prevalent cause for censorship, sedition and magic were other areas.
Preface - Introduction: Censorship in the Late Medieval Manuscript
Culture
Chapter 1: The Elements and Instruments of Supervision
Chapter 2:
Ecclesiastical Censorship and Religious Writings in Late Medieval England -
Chapter 3: Civil Censorship and Political Writings in Late Medieval England -
Chapter 4: The Censorship of Books of Magic - General Conclusion -
Bibliography
Eva Schaten studied English Philology and Medieval History in Münster (Germany) and Nijmegen (NL) and was a research assistant at the Cluster of Excellence "Religion and Politics". She currently works in an administrative office at the University of Münster.
