Printing Spanish Books in the Southern and Northern Netherlands, 1520-1700

Abstract

Exploiting the most recent bibliographical information available, this article surveys Spanish-language printing in the southern and northern Netherlands from its tentative beginnings in 1520 to 1700. The anni mirabiles (1543-1560) have done much to shape perceptions of the trade in Spanish books. Yet, these were relatively short-lived. Overall, production grew steadily before 1701 with Antwerp then Brussels and Amsterdam becoming market leaders. A staggering 350 printers and publishers are known to have been involved in producing these works, although for almost all of them, printing in Spanish was never the main part of their output. The character of these works changed over the two centuries, with religious texts growing in importance. While every book had its own history, and intended market, it seems clear that Spanish-language books were not being produced exclusively or even predominantly to target the market in Spain itself—at least not directly.