We have seen in the previous chapter something of the difficulties of the trade in those days.

The booksellers were a close guild of three hundred and sixty members, and the printers were limited to thirty-six.

Their privileges brought them little fortune.

They were of the lowest credit and repute, and most of them were hardly better than beggars.

It was said that not a dozen out of the three hundred and sixty could afford to have more than one coat for his back.