The Commodification of Textual Engagements in the English Renaissance

Focusing on early modern textual advertising, this study examines the front matter of Renaissance books, such as titles and prefatory epistles. It reveals how these elements not only document but also influence reading practices and urban identity during that era. Utilizing insights from new textualism and economic criticism, the author conducts a comparative analysis that enhances our understanding of how paratextual genres shape the definitions of books, reading, and authorship in the Renaissance period.