Before copyright : the French book-privilege system 1498-1526

List of illustrations page . . X
Preface . . XI
Acknowledgements . . XIII
Note on transcription . . XV
Note on proper names . . XV
Sigla and abbreviations . . XVI

1 Origins and development of book-privileges in Europe . . 1
2 Privilege-granting authorities in France . . 21
3 Seeking and granting orivileffes: forms, conditions and procedures . . 63
4 Grounds for seeking and granting privileges . . 78
5 Grant of privilege and permission to print . . 100
6 Dating and duration of privileges . . 118
7 Display and advertisement of privileges . . 140
8 The range of interests reflected in privileged books: analysis by subject . . 165
9 Ownership, enforcement and efficacy of privileges . . 191
Conclusion . . 206

REGISTER OF KNOWN PRIVILEGES, WITH CODE-NUMBERS . . 208

Appendix to Register . . 283
Select bibliography . . 296
Index of publishers, printers and booksellers . . 301
General Index . . 305