The British Library Guide to Printing: History and Techniques

by Michael Twyman

Printing is generally held to be one of the most important inventions of all time and to have helped change the course of history. It can be described as a means of giving form to and multiplying graphic signs and messages, and its extraordinary social, artistic and intellectual impact derives from its technical appropriateness and adaptability. In this authoritative introduction, Michael Twyman focuses on printing methods and techniques, from the invention of printing in the Far East and in Europe to today's digital revolution, and how they have played a part in shaping their end product. With over 60 colour and black-and-white illustrations, The British Library Guide to History and Techniques is one of a series of titles providing accessible and lively introductions to the practical aspects of the history of books and how they are made.

Genres: Nonfiction, History

92 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1998

Reviews

[Brandon Buerkle · Rating 3 out of 5]

Incredibly concise, Twyman covers printing from beginning to present day (or 1998, when the book was written).
I was happy to see that China is given its due as originating the printing process, including movable type, hundreds of years before Gutenberg.
Some printing processes are explained well, while others are glossed over with only a brief mention of the name. For instance, photogravure is mentioned in use without explanation of process.
Overall a good read for a condensed history of printing.

[John]

nonfiction,history,bibliography

[Ruth Ann]

Good concise overview and excellent color illustrations. Clarified several concepts about printing I hadn't understood before.