Page xvi →Note on Styles and Conventions

This study relies considerably on early modern source material in printed books and pamphlets as well as handwritten organizational records. My quotations attempt to preserve the original character of these texts while enhancing readability for contemporary readers. Consequently abbreviations have been expanded, punctuation has been altered, and characters such as s, f, u, v, w, and i have been modernized except where their preservation is important to discussions concerning typographic choices.

The author understands gender as a non-binary construct. The use of he/she as gender referents in this text complies with the press’s house style.