An Inquiry Concerning the Invention of Printing: In Which the Systems of Meerman, Heinecken, Santander, and Koning Are Reviewed; Including Also ... the Block-Books, Etc (Classic Reprint) - Hardcover

William Young Ottley

Hardcover

ISBN 10: 0484728849 ISBN 13: 9780484728843

Publisher: Forgotten Books, 2018

Synopsis

Uncover the debate over who really invented printing, with careful analysis and new discoveries.

This expansive inquiry narrows its focus to the early claims about typography, especially the rival cases for Haerlem and Mentz. It presents a thorough, evidence‑driven look at the people, places, and documents at the heart of the dispute, along with new bibliographical insights that challenge older opinions.

Readers will find detailed discussion of key figures, such as Laurent Janssoen Coster, and the role of block books and xylography in the 15th century. The book combines textual analysis with carefully reproduced engravings and manuscript materials to illuminate how early printing developed in Europe—and where the arguments for each side stand today.

• Grounded, chapter‑by‑chapter examination of the major claims and their witnesses.
• In‑depth look at the lives of early Haarlem printers and their descendants.
• Close study of important early printed works and their typographic details.
• Rich illustrations and descriptions that make the historical debate accessible to readers.

Ideal for readers of bibliographic history, early printing, and the broader story of how movable type shaped European culture.

Edition details

• Publisher: Forgotten Books
• Publication date: 2018
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 0484728849
• ISBN 13: 9780484728843
• Binding: Hardcover
• Number of pages: 486