Stationers’ Company Records

Special Collections recently acquired the 115-reel microfilm reproduction of the Records of the Worshipful Company of Stationers & Newspaper Makers.  The Stationers’ Company was founded in 1403 and was a major force in London’s book trade both before and long after printing technology arrived in England.  Throughout the centuries, many of London’s leading printers, publishers, booksellers, and bookbinders have been members.

The Stationers’ Company records are the most important existing source on the history of the English book trade.  The microfilm edition reproduces records spanning from 1554 to 1920 and is supplemented by a printed guide by the Company’s archivist.  These records contain a wealth of information about the Company’s activities, including membership and financial records and copyright registers for printed books.  The records provide quantitative data about the output of the London book trade as well as details about the lives and careers of printers, publishers, and other members of the Company.

Researchers can access the microfilm records in Special Collections’ reading room during our normal operating hours.