In "Eats, Shoots & Leaves," Lynne Truss explores the nuances of punctuation and its significance in conveying meaning. The quote highlights the doubts some may have regarding the authority of Italian printers in defining the rules of punctuation and language. Despite such skepticism, the implication is that challenging their influence would be futile, given their innovative contributions like the invention of italics.
Truss emphasizes how punctuation is crucial for clarity and precision in writing, and she advocates for a strict approach to its usage. The quote reflects the tension between tradition and modernity in language practices, illustrating how historical developments continue to shape our understanding of punctuation today.