what is the control of information from prebook manuscripts to the formation of early publishing houses to the evolution of todays'conglomerates ? who has had and who has not had access to printed information?
Check this site for a brief outline of publishing history.
http://www.infoplease.com/ipea/A0154485.html
Generally, printed information has been available to literate people with the money to buy books. Censorship by governments or churches has limited some access at certain times.
To understand the control of information from prebook manuscripts to today's conglomerates, we can start by exploring the history of publishing. Early on, manuscripts were hand-copied and limited in availability. The control of information rested with institutions such as the church, which had the resources and literacy to produce and disseminate manuscripts.
With the advent of the printing press in the 15th century, books became more accessible. Early printing houses emerged, initially under the control of religious or political authorities. These houses mainly produced religious texts or works aligned with the interests of those in power.
Over time, the printing industry expanded, and the control of information shifted from a select few to a wider range of publishers. This led to the proliferation of different ideas and perspectives being circulated through print.
During various historical periods, governments and religious authorities exercised censorship to control access to printed information. They implemented measures to ban or restrict the dissemination of certain materials. For example, the Catholic Church maintained an Index of Forbidden Books in the 16th century.
In terms of who had access to printed information, it largely depended on factors such as literacy, socioeconomic status, and privilege. Wealthier individuals who could afford books or had access to libraries and educational institutions had greater access. In contrast, those who were illiterate or lacked resources had limited access to printed information.
As publishing evolved and the printing industry transformed into conglomerates, the control of information concentrated in the hands of a few major players. Today, large media conglomerates, with their vast resources and extensive distribution networks, play a significant role in shaping the availability and accessibility of printed information.
It's important to note that while printed information has become more accessible in many ways, there are still barriers to access for certain individuals or marginalized communities due to factors like cost, language barriers, or geographic limitations.
For a more detailed exploration of publishing history, you can refer to the provided link which provides an outline of the different stages in the development of the publishing industry.