Missive van De Ruyter aan prins Willem III na de overwinning in de zeeslag op Schoonevelt, 11 juni 1673 1673

This news pamphlet was printed in the Hague in 1673, by printer Jacobus Scheltus. It’s made with moveable type – individual letters meticulously arranged to form words, pressed onto paper with ink, and then distributed widely. The text recounts a naval victory by Michiel de Ruyter, commander of the Dutch fleet, against the English and French. You can imagine the great effort involved in producing it, from the sourcing of the linen or hemp paper, to the mixing of ink, to the sheer labor of typesetting and printing. This tangible, material presence directly conveys its historical and social context. And consider, too, the social implications of disseminating information in this way. The printing press allowed for the relatively swift distribution of news and opinion, shaping public sentiment and political discourse. It also reflects the growing importance of literacy and the accessibility of information, especially in urban centers, a stark contrast to relying on town criers to spread information. Pamphlets like these democratized information, challenging traditional hierarchies of knowledge production, and marking a significant shift in the relationship between power, the press, and the public.