Five Hundred Years Of Printing

This classic work, first published as a Pelican Original in 1955 and maintained in successive editions until 1980 is now available in a finely illustrated larger format book, drawing on the collections and curatorial expertise of The British Library. It has been completely revised and brought up to date, covering topics such as censorship, best-sellers, the invention of lithography and the connection between printing and education. It is of particular use to anyone studying the huge technological changes that the printing industry has experienced during its long timespan.

Scholarly and highly readable survey traces the industry from its 15th-century beginnings through the technical advances of the 20th century. Explores associations between printing and education, language, and literature.

This study of five centuries of book designs looks at the successes and failures, and examines some classics of layout and production from Western Europe and America.

Scholarly and highly readable survey traces the industry from its 15th-century beginnings through the technical advances of the 20th century. Explores associations between printing and education, language, and literature.