How useful is a Study of the popular printed word in helping the historian understand popular culture in general?

The paper explores the shift in historical research from elite figures to the everyday lives of ordinary people, reflecting a broader evolution in historical sciences. It begins by defining "popular" in the context of historical research, followed by an analysis of various printed sources created for and by the public. The work concludes with a critical examination of the advantages and disadvantages of utilizing these written records, emphasizing their significance in understanding popular culture and its historical implications.