(a) Many were apprehensive of the effects that the easier access to the printed word and the wider circulation of books, could have on people’s minds
(b) It was feared that if there was no control over what was printed and read then rebellious and irreligious thoughts might spread.
(c) If that happened the authority of ‘valuable’ literature would be destroyed.
(d) Expressed by religious authorities and monarchs, as well as many writers and artists, this anxiety was the basis of widespread criticism of the new printed literature that had began to circulate
