In Revolutionary Ink, Mark J. Noonan explores the careers of New York printers whose presses disseminated Enlightenment ideals that fueled the American Revolution and framed the political debates of the early republic. Long overshadowed by the celebrated authors whose works they produced, printers William Bradford, John Peter Zenger, James Parker, Thomas Greenleaf and others helmed presses that provoked civic engagement, cultivated an appreciation for the arts and sciences, and defended press liberty. The book also examines the equally revolutionary work of their wives, who assisted with and sometimes ran their husband's presses. Throughout the narrative, Noonan addresses the discrepancy between revolutionary rhetoric and practice, and argues that to grasp New York's early print history is to confront the paradox of the Anglo-American Enlightenment: its profound advancements alongside the denial of universal human rights.

‘Mark Noonan offers a vivid, inspiring account of New York City and its imperfect embrace of enlightened democracy. Male and female printers, curious readers, and feisty words give rise to a fresh story of a growing seaport and its importance to the new nation. Noonan’s impressive research reveals a commercial republic and its raucous public coming into being, both free-spirited and self-interested.’

Benjamin L. Carp - Brooklyn College and the CUNY Graduate Center

‘A thoroughly researched and accessibly written examination of a set of exemplary printers in Colonial New York, whose work left enduring marks on American society, history, culture and politics. Mark J. Noonan has fashioned an entertaining read that brings a needed focus on the impact of New York printers and print culture on the development on what might be called an ‘American’ enlightenment.’

Elliot King - Loyola University Maryland