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Pop-up exhibition: 'Dangerous Books'

Forbidden Books in the 16th Century

In the 16th century, Antwerp was at the centre of religious innovation, printing press activity and religious conflicts. Writing, printing and reading books was anything but innocent then - it could change lives as well as endanger them. The free mini-expo Dangerous Books shows the direct impact of the printed word on people in a changing society. 

Tuesday 8 July 2025 until Sunday 27 July 2025 from 10:00 to 16:30

Books in dangerous times

The 16th century saw major changes in Antwerp. It was a time of religious renewal and emerging printing activity. It was also the time of the Reformation and fierce denominational divisions. Unrest, in other words. A context in which writing, printing and reading books could be dangerous. 

With banned books, letters and one handwritten disclaimer by Christopher Plantijn, Dangerous Books shows the impact of the printed word on a society in transition.

Conference

Want to know more about the book trade in the 16th century? The scholarly conference Tudor England and the Antwerp Book Trade: From Tyndale to Plantin brings together researchers on the history of the book trade between Antwerp and England under the Tudors. It is being organised to mark the 500th anniversary of Tyndale's first English-language edition of the New Testament

  

Museum Plantin-Moretus

Unesco werelderfgoed

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