On English Publishing Control In The 18th Century

In 1694, the annulment of The Licensing Act was a key step taken by the British bourgeoisie towards the abolishment of the censorship system and the freedom of the press. From then on, writers and publishers from the UK were exempt from inspection prior to publishing. And it is symbol of the collapse of the traditional press licensing system originated from the Holy Office. However, it didn't mean the coming of an era of press freedom, access to the 18th century, the United Kingdom regulated publication through not only economic methods but judicial ones as well. This article will mainly focuses on the following three aspects: why the"tax on knowledge"act came into being and how it was strengthened from the"Glorious Revolution"to the 18th century; why and how the system of subsidies came into being and gradually collapsed; and how the main judicial method on regulating publishing in 18th century and the trial principles of libel were finally established.Besides the introduction and conclusion, the thesis is divided into three parts:PartⅠ:Collection of"tax on knowledge". It discusses the reasons why the first"tax on knowledge"act came into being and its significance, as well as the reasons for and process of the continual increase of tax rate on knowledge imposed by the government.PartⅡ: subsidies system. It discusses the reasons for and process of the British system of subsidies in the whole 18th century and the reasons for its collapse at the end of the 18th century.PartⅢ: defamation. It discusses the changes of the trial principles of defamation and the reasons for these changes.