Robert Darnton, Professor emeritus at Harvard, is a leading expert in book history and the French Revolution. In this discussion, he delves into the vibrant yet cutthroat book trade of the late 18th century, showcasing how piracy flourished in the 'Fertile Crescent' as publishers smuggled banned works by renowned authors like Rousseau and Voltaire into France. He examines the complexities of intellectual property, censorship, and how the democratization of literature reshaped public engagement, ultimately paving the way for Enlightenment ideas in a rapidly evolving society.

Robert Darnton, scholar of the trade of books on the eve of the French Revolution, discusses his new book which explores the history of book distribution in France. The podcast covers topics such as the challenges of travel in the eighteenth century, smuggling and piracy of books, and the demand for literature on the eve of the French Revolution.

Robert Darnton, Author and Carl H. Pforzheimer University Professor and Director of the University Library at Harvard, discusses the future of libraries, the Digital Public Library of America project, challenges in creating a national online library, the role of libraries in the digital age, and the challenges they face in preserving the republic and the vision of the founders.