Here are some groups and individuals who were actively involved:
* Writers themselves: Obviously, authors were the core of the literary world, producing new works and contributing to the ongoing conversation.
* Publishers and printers: They took on the crucial task of getting literature into circulation.
* Booksellers and librarians: They made literature accessible to the public by selling and storing books.
* Literary societies and salons: These groups brought writers and readers together for discussions, readings, and performances.
* Patrons: Wealthy individuals often supported writers financially, allowing them to focus on their craft.
Instead of focusing on who didn't contribute, it's more interesting to think about the challenges that these people faced in keeping literature alive:
* Literacy: Literacy rates were much lower than today, limiting the audience for literature.
* Censorship: Governments and religious authorities often censored works that challenged their views.
* Cost: Books were expensive, making them inaccessible to most people.
Despite these obstacles, literature thrived in the 17th and 18th centuries. It was a time of great intellectual and cultural ferment, and writers, publishers, and other stakeholders worked hard to ensure that their work reached a wider audience.