Agents of Censorship and the Circulation of Printed Material in Central Europe (1500–1800)

International Conference | University of Sofia “St. Kliment Ohridski” | 19–20 May 2026

In a time when censorship and press freedom are again making headlines, this conference turns to the early modern period to explore how printed materials were regulated, suppressed, or reshaped—and by whom. Moving beyond the traditional view of censorship as a rigid, top-down mechanism, we seek to uncover the diverse actors, negotiations, and motivations behind the control of print in Central Europe between 1500 and 1800.

Organised by Working Group 3: Public-Legal Spheres of the COST Action CA23137 – Print Culture and Public Spheres in Central Europe, this international gathering invites researchers to investigate censorship not just as repression, but also as a field of agency, strategy, and resistance.

We especially welcome papers that:

• Explore cross-border, multilingual, or multi-confessional censorship practices
• Focus on key agents: censors, authors, printers, publishers, institutions
• Analyze censorship practices and methods of circumvention
• Trace the evolution of censorship across time and regions
• Offer case studies on genres like pamphlets, catechisms, plays, images, music, or newspapers

Early career researchers (under 40) are strongly encouraged to apply. Travel and accommodation for COST Action members will be covered.

Deadline for submissions: 15 November 2025

Submit your abstract (max 300 words) and a short bio (max 150 words) to:

baramova@uni-sofia.bg and dagenais@uni-trier.de

Notification of acceptance: 25 November 2025