Explore the evolution of the printed book from manuscript to modern typography.
This handbook accompanies an exhibition held at the Boston Public Library, guiding visitors through a carefully sequenced display that traces how writing became printing and how design, materials, and process shaped the art of printing across centuries. The book explains how exhibits are labeled and linked to a running synopsis, making complex ideas easy to follow for readers new to the topic.
The display starts with the written book and moves through key moments in printing history, highlighting Italian influence, the work of early printers, and the rise of modern techniques. It shows how patronage, style, and technology intersected to shape typography, illumination, and book-making as a discipline. Visitors will see examples of manuscripts, early printed books, and notable presses that advanced the craft.
- How manuscripts and incunabula set the stage for movable type
- The shift of influence from Italy to printing centers like Venice and beyond
- Early typography, page design, and the role of illumination in book art
- Progressive printing processes and the way illustrations and paper are made
Ideal for readers interested in the history of books, typography, and the craft of printing.