Melbourne Rare Book Week

In an age when we are, literally, bombarded with news from multiple forms of ‘mass media’, it is hard to imagine a time when news was scarce. Before newspapers were published, how did the people find out what was happening in their world? In this seminar we explore the fascinating world of the pre – modern newshound – the ballad singer, the pamphleteer and the public orator. Were there limits to ‘free speech’, and how were they overcome? Historians Una McIlvenna and Ruby Lowe combine analysis and performance as they explore this fascinating topic.

Presented by: History Council of Victoria

This event is an on-line only webinar which can be joined at 5pm on Thursday 24th July 2025 at www.historycouncilvic.org.au/making_public_histories_seminar_series