In this engaging discussion, Robert Darnton, a Harvard professor emeritus and esteemed historian of books, unpacks the chaos and creativity of the 18th-century book trade. He explores the fascinating 'Fertile Crescent' where piracy thrived, providing banned French works to eager readers. Diving into the interplay between authors and opportunistic publishers, Darnton reveals how this era of innovation helped democratize literature. He also shares personal insights from his archival research journey and foreshadows his upcoming work on revolutionary Paris.

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.