Shifting Price Levels Of Books Produced At The Officina Plantiniana In Antwerp, 1580–1655

Book prices at the Officina Plantiniana in Antwerp exhibited significant fluctuations between 1580 and 1655, reflecting economic shifts during a pivotal period in European publishing history. This study reveals that price levels were not only influenced by production costs but also by market demand, political instability, and inflationary pressures. By analyzing archival documents, including the Museum Plantin-Moretus collection (notably M321), researchers identified patterns of price adjustment that provide new insights into 17th-century book trade dynamics. The findings underscore the economic resilience and adaptability of one of Europe’s most prominent printing houses during a time of rapid change.

Proot, G. (2019). Shifting Price Levels Of Books Produced At The Officina Plantiniana In Antwerp, 1580–1655. Crossing Borders, Crossing Cultures, 89–108. https://doi.org/10.1515/9783110643541-006