The Specter of the Archive

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The book explores the significant impact of paper's proliferation in Britain from the sixteenth century, which transformed political dynamics by enabling the recording and circulation of documents. It highlights how this early media revolution led to the establishment of multiple archives, influencing authority and power networks. By examining key political archives, the author raises contemporary questions about the trustworthiness of historical records, the decision-making process behind preservation, and the potential for information overload to foster political polarization.