Early Publication

Abstract This chapter traces the early printing history of Philip Sidney’s works, 1586–99, arguing that conflicts within the Stationers’ Company influenced the Sidney canon more than has been recognised and arguably more than the efforts of Mary Sidney Herbert and Fulke Greville. A small network centred on printers John Charlewood and James Roberts and publisher Richard Smith printed unauthorised editions of Sidney’s works, which catalysed William Ponsonby to publish ‘authorised’ editions of Sidney’s works. The competition to print Philip Sidney’s works tangentially influenced efforts by the Stationers’ Company of London and the crown and Court of the Star Chamber to regulate the print trade.