Interpret anyone fear in the minds of religious authorities and monarchs about the printed texts during the 16th century in Europe.

It was feared that if there was no control over what was printed and read then rebellious and irreligious thoughts might spread. If that happened the influence of ‘valuable’ literature would be destroyed. Expressed by religious authorities and monarchs, as well as many writers and artists, this anxiety was the basis of widespread criticism of the new printed literature that had begun to circulate.