ABSTRACT
The Dutch printing and publication scene took a liberal stance, as polemical and progressive texts that sparked fierce debates often converted into considerable profit. Compared to printing controls in several other countries, the Dutch authorities were unusually permissive. Translations of polemical works from other countries were also difficult to regulate, as the grey area between literal and free translation was, and still is, difficult to define. The power of the spoken word is ignored in this material account, however, especially given the continuous traffic of diplomats, travellers and merchants between England and the United Provinces. The majority of the publications in the exchange printed in the United Provinces were anonymous, whereas all publications defending the Regicide were printed with the author’s name; even Salmasius’ tract was initially published anonymously.
