“To have a printer at hand”: Jesuits and the Dissemination of Printing in the Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth before 1620

Abstract In the second half of sixteenth century, Jesuits considered Polish–Lithuanian Commonwealth a missionary territory. This perception was linked to exceptional writing and publishing activity. The not only had about seven hundred editions their writings published before 1620, they also established own printing presses. article identifies main purposes Jesuit activity, demonstrates Society’s proficiency with various printed media reflects on role in dissemination craft throughout Commonwealth.