Description
Book SynopsisTrade Review“Popper’s focus on the keepers and users of the records of the Tower of London and the newly formed State Paper Office gives us a brilliant new perspective on statecraft in England, ca. 1559–1700. Greater attention to creating and managing archives changed political practice; skills in paperwork became grounds for advancement and archives were plumbed for arguments to support the full range of political causes of the day, transforming the role of information in governance in ways that still resonate today.” * Ann Blair, Harvard University *
“This powerful and engaging book offers a bold account of why practices of information management should matter to early modern historians.
The Specter of the Archive demands very serious attention, and it will surely stimulate a vigorous debate and a wealth of new research.” * Jason Peacey, University College London *
Table of ContentsList of Illustrations
Acknowledgments
Introduction
1: Archivization
2: Pump and Circulation
3: Institutions Reimagined
4: Shared Practice and Rival Visions of the State
5: Information Warfare
6: Centralization and Orchestration
Epilogue: The World of the Archive
List of Abbreviations
List of Manuscripts and Manuscript Collections Cited
Notes
Bibliography
Index
