In this article we intend to explore the relations between written text and orality, as well as relations between edition and diffusion of theatrical texts. We intend to demonstrate that the study of the materiality of these texts and its sorts of diffusion are essential for the understanding of the multiple forms of reception and appropriation, very important aspects of the history of reading. The documental corpus is composed by theatrical pieces marketed in Rio de Janeiro’s bookseller trade at the second half of XIX century. These pieces are from the collections of Biblioteca Nacional and Real Gabinete Português de Leitura.
history of reading; reception; appropriation