“To have a printer at hand”: Jesuits and the Dissemination of Printing in the Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth before 1620

Abstract

In the second half of the sixteenth century, the Jesuits considered the Polish–Lithuanian Commonwealth a missionary territory. This perception was linked to the exceptional writing and publishing activity. The Jesuits not only had about seven hundred editions of their writings published before 1620, they also established their own printing presses. This article identifies the main purposes of Jesuit publishing activity, demonstrates the Society’s proficiency with various printed media and reflects on their role in the dissemination of printing craft throughout the Commonwealth.