The Enlightenment in Europe 18th Century Nature and it’s laws lay hidden in darkness. God said: Let there be Newton! And there were Light.

Basic ideas Kepler and Galilei – Solar centred universe Newton had found the reason – Gravity Earth were decentralised Knowledge > experience and conclusions

Revolution Started to question authorities (church, royalties) Use sense, gain knowledge Teach children systematically Be proud of the enlightened present. The church, as well as the majority of the people were mere bystanders

Who read? By the turn of the Century, about 80 000 readers in England. Education, main reason.

What did they read? Earlier – religious literature and poetry Now – mainly novels and non-fiction Libraries (private ones) started to appear in cities

How did they read? Earlier, when the ability to read was unusual, as well as books – Reading aloud Now, a more personal reading – more time for reflection and thought

Where did they discuss Literature? Mainly in cafés… In the 1720s, Paris had over 300 cafés

Freedom of the press? England and Holland – relative freedom Otherwise state or church tried to stop ”Inappropriate” opinions France: 1763, 121 royal book censors