Keeping the Plantin Press Together: Jan Moretus and the Inheritance of Christophe Plantin

Jan Moretus successfully inherited the Plantin Press, one of Europe's most significant 16th-century publishing houses, despite legal challenges from other heirs. The study reveals that Plantin's testament intended for the entire enterprise to pass to Moretus, but disputes arose over its lucrative privileges—legal rights protecting published works from competition. Moretus defended these privileges against his brother-in-law, Gilles Beys, ensuring control of high-value editions like bibles and classical texts. These privileges were pivotal in maintaining market dominance, allowing the Moretus family to sustain the press for generations until the 19th century. The research highlights the role of legal rights in preserving publishing enterprises during a transformative era.

Imhof, D. (2011). Keeping the Plantin Press Together: Jan Moretus and the Inheritance of Christophe Plantin. Bulletin Du Bibliophile, N° 353(1), 131–151. https://doi.org/10.3917/bubib.353.0141