The Evolution of Scottish Enlightenment Publishing

The Historical Journal, vol. 67, pp. 223–255

Abstract

Abstract This article uses large-scale bibliographic data to extract and analyse the works, authors, and publishers of the Scottish Enlightenment. By doing so, we aim to encompass a wider scope and definition of Scottish Enlightenment publishing, contextualizing both the major and the lesser-known publishers. We reveal two competing models for key Scottish publishers: those working in Scotland, publishing works that were printed later in London; and those working in London, printing Scottish works. We show that the careers of key publishers such as Andrew Millar (1705–68) should be considered in relational terms: that Millar must be understood in the context of his wider network, taking into account a longer view of the publishing landscape both before and after his career. Moreover, we establish the relevance of subsequent editions of existing works for the understanding of eighteenth-century publishing. The article also argues for an agnostic view of the ‘Scottish Enlightenment text’, one which considers the features of individual texts rather than a priori assumptions about canonical works. Consequently, we show that the significance of works of scientific improvement evolves and becomes intertwined with education, literature, philosophy, and history over time; resulting in a convergence of practice, theory, and literary expression.

Authors 2

1. Yann Ryan corresponding Aachen Centre for Digital Humanities

   Leiden University

   Affiliation as printed

   Centre for Digital Humanities, Leiden University, Leiden, Netherlands

2. Mikko Tolonen corresponding

   University of Helsinki

   Affiliation as printed

   Department of Digital Humanities, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland