Studying Early Printed Books, 1450-1800: A Practical Guide

Studying Early Printed Books, 1450–1800 is a comprehensive resource that provides an insightful overview of the hand-press printing of early books. It explains how the mechanics of bookmaking shape how we read and understand them, and offers illustrative examples to demonstrate how understanding the early processes can be helpful to todays researchers. The text also offers guidance on how to approach a book, read a catalog record, and use digital facsimiles and books in-hand.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 216 pages
Publication date: 01 March 2019
Publisher: John Wiley and Sons Ltd

Studying Early Printed Books, 1450 - 1800, is a comprehensive resource that delves into the intricate process of hand-press printing during the early centuries of the press. Authored by an expert in the field, the book offers an insightful overview of the manufacturing techniques employed during this period, as well as a detailed examination of the specific aspects of the printing process.

In the first chapter, the author provides a comprehensive account of the materials and tools used in hand-press printing, including paper, type, ink, and presses. She also discusses the various book formats that emerged during this time, such as quartos, octavos, and duodecimos. The author then delves into the mechanics of the press, explaining how it worked and the role it played in the production of books.

The second chapter focuses on the printing process itself, including the steps involved in setting type, composing pages, and printing them. The author discusses the techniques used to achieve different effects, such as boldface, italics, and indentation, and explains how these techniques influenced the reading experience.

Throughout the text, the author includes illustrative examples that demonstrate how understanding the early processes can be helpful to todays researchers. These examples range from historical documents to contemporary books, and they help to illustrate the evolution of printing technology and the impact it had on the production and consumption of books.

In addition to its technical content, Studying Early Printed Books also offers valuable guidance on how to approach a book, read a catalog record, and distinguish between digital facsimiles and books in-hand. The book includes a useful glossary that provides definitions of key terms and concepts, as well as a detailed list of recommended readings that will further enhance the readers understanding of the subject matter.

Written for students of book history, materiality.

Weight: 260g
Dimension: 154 x 228 x 13 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781119049968