‘The English Revolution was a revolution in reading.’ For the first time more people had access to books and other printed media containing a far broader spectrum of information than had previously been the case. But an increase in access to material meant an increase in discussion and expression of opinions, some of which had the potential to be detrimental to the stability of the state. It was therefore in the interest of the state to restrict access to this material to those that possessed the requisite educational training with which to understand the ideas and opinions now in...