MP Board · Class 10 · Social Science · History: Print Culture and the Modern WorldWhat were 'penny chapbooks' and who sold them in England?
Step-by-Step Solution
'Penny chapbooks' were pocket-sized books sold in England for just a penny, making them extremely affordable for the common people. They were peddled by traveling merchants known as chapmen. These books contained folk tales, ballads, and popular stories, which ensured that even the poorest sections of society could access and enjoy literature. The sale of chapbooks became immensely popular during the seventeenth-century print revolution, significantly boosting literacy rates and fostering a vibrant culture of reading among the working classes in rural and urban areas alike.
💡 Study Guide: This question tests core syllabus concepts from History: Print Culture and the Modern World. For formulas, key summaries, and mock exam reference guides, read the full History: Print Culture and the Modern World Revision Notes.