A Concise Timeline of Printing Milestones
________________________________________________________________
-3500
Sumerians use cuneiform alphabet, pressed in clay with a triangular
stylus. Clay tablets were dried and/or fired for longevity. Some even
had clay envelopes,' which were also inscribed. Some people consider
them to be the earliest form of the book.
-2500
Animal skins are used for scrolls in Western Asia.
-2400
Date of the earliest surviving papyrus scroll with writing.
-1900
Hittites, from between 1900 and 1200 BC, left appr. 15,000 clay tablets
-1800
Book of the Dead, Egypt
-1500
The 'Phaistos disc', found on the island of Crete in 1908, was produced
by pressing relief-carved symbols into the soft clay, then baking it.
Although it contains the germ of the idea of printing, it appears to be
unique.
-950
Leather is made and used for scrolls and writing.
-800
Moabite stone is created with one of the finest specimens of
Phoenician writing. The letters resemble Greek.
-650
Papyrus. First rolls arrive in Greece from Egypt
-650
Papyrus. First rolls arrive in Greece from Egypt
-600
6th C. BC General agreement among Mediterranean cultures on leftto-right writing and reading. Before that, there was L-R, R-L, top-tobottom, and boustroph
edonic (back-and-forth). The Hebres kept R-L.
-500
Lao-Tze's lifetime, was said to have been archivist of the imperial
archives
-431
Xenophon. (431-352 BC) author of Anabasis and Memorabilia.
-295
King Ptolemy I Soter enlisted the services of the orator Demetrios
Phalereus, a former governor of Athens, and empowered him to
collect, if he could, all the books in the inhabited world. To support his
efforts, the king sent letters to all sovereigns and governors on earth
requesting that the furnish workd by poets and prose-writers,
1
rhetoricians and sophists, doctors and soothsayers, historians, and all
others too (Flavius Josephus). Agents were sent out to scout the cities
of Asia, North Africa, and Europe. Foreign vessels calling in at
Alexandria were searched routinely for scrolls and manuscripts.
Transcripts were returned in due course, but the originals remained
confiscated in the library. The story of the 47 AD destruction of the
library is only partly true. Some 40,000 of the 700,000 volumes did go
up in flames.
-213
Chin Tain Shihuangti, emporer of China, issued an edict that all books
should be destroyed (manuscripts on bamboo)
-200
before 1st C. BC Both Greeks and Romans used wax tablets, framed
and backed with wood, for note taking, orders, correspondence, and
other temporary informat
ion. At times, two or more tablets were joined with thongs or cords,
similar to a 3-ringed binder. The Latin name for this was _codex_, from
the word for wood. Single wax tablets had been used earlier than this
in Mesopotamia, Greece, and Etruria.
-197
197-159 BC In the Middle East, near Pergamum, large herds of cattle
are raised for skins to be made into what we now call 'parchment.'
-196
The'Rosetta' stone is cut. It contains the same text in Egyptian
hieroglyphic, Egyptian demotic, and Greek writing. It was discovered in
1799 near the mouth of the Nile and served to break the code for
deciphering ancient Egyptian works.
-150
The first paper is made in CHina from macerated hemp fibers in water
suspension.
-150
Dead Sea Scrolls. 150 BC - 40 AD Approximate dates of the Hebrew
and Aramaic documents, Biblical and nonbiblical, found as scrolls
sealed in ceramic pots in caves near the Dead Sea in 1957. Some are
written on thin, whitish leather similar but not identical to parchment
-100
Nash Papyrus, oldest known biblical fragment, containing the Hebrew
text of the ten commandments. Acquired in Egypt 1902 by W.L.Nash
and now in Cambridge University Library.
-100
Nash Papyrus, oldest known biblical fragment, containing the Hebrew
text of the ten commandments. Acquired in Egypt 1902 by W.L.Nash
and now in Cambridge University Library.
-100
1st C. BC - 1st C. AD The Romans substituted skin, or membranae, for
the wood panels in codices. It is unclear just when this was done and
2
whether membranae was similar to Medieval parchment or to the thin
leather of the Dead Sea Scrolls, but it is known that there are no
examples or records of this substitution prior to the Romans. Later,
Romans used codices to record laws and rules of
order, lending the name codes or codicils to such documents.
-100
1st C. AD By the end of this century, the form of the book had largely
changed from the scroll to the codex.
-100
Nash Papyrus, oldest known biblical fragment, containing the Hebrew
text of the ten commandments. Acquired in Egypt 1902 by W.L.Nash
and now in Cambridge University Library.
-39
Libertas. Asinius Pollio establishes first public library in Rome at the
Libertas Temple
-28
Augustus. Under the reign of emporer Augustus two large libraries
were founded, the Palatine and the Octavian library
47
The great Library of Alexandria was damaged by fire
when Julius Caeser besieged the city. It was said at one time to
contain copies and translations of all known books (scrolls), between
400,000 and 500,000. It was later ravaged by civil war in the late 200s
AD and by 400, nothing was left.
100
Ulpia. Bibliotheca Ulpia founded by Trajan, also serving as emperial
archive
104
Papermaking discovered in China by Ts'ai Louen (date is not very
specific: it may have been 105. Name also written as: Ts'ai Lun)
Material used: plant bark, discarded cotton and old fishnets.
104
Papermaking discovered in China by Ts'ai Louen (date is not very
specific: it may have been 105. Name also written as: Ts'ai Lun)
Material used: plant bark, discarded cotton and old fishnets.
105
Chinese history records that papermaking was invented by Ts'ai Lun in
the court of Ho'ti in Lei-yang, China. Paper had, in fact, been made in
China for at least two hundred years before this date. The first papers
were made from hemp, bark, and used fish nets.
191
Palatine library destoyed by fire
370
Public libraries, in these days there were said to be 28 public libaries in
Rome
3
391
Alexandrian Library destroyed under the direction of Archbishop
Theophilus of Antioch (destruction of temple of Serapis)
480
(480-524), the last learned Roman to study the language and literature
of Greece. He wrote his DE CONSOLATIONE PHILOSOPHIAE while
awaiting his execution. The Consolation of Philosophy is a dialogue of
39 short poems in 13 different meters that paid tribute to the ancient
authors and philosophers.
590
Luxeuil. Monastery founded by Columban, first monastery in Gaul. Irish
Monks brought along numerous manuscripts
637
Caesarea Library destroyed by Arabs conquering Palestine (library
was orignally founded by church father Origen who died 309 AD)
687
Undoubtedly one of history's most dramatic book exhumations involves
a manuscript copy of the Gospel of St.John that was buried in the year
687 with the body of St. Cuthbert, bishop near Lindesfarne. Two
hundred years later Danish invaders sacked the holy compund,
carrying with them the remains of Cuthbert. In 1104 the carved wooden
casket was opened and the Gospel, a manuscript written in uncial, was
found perfectly preserved.
700
Lindisfarne Gospels written on 258 leaves (link to on-line
reproductions: http://www.xs4all.nl/~knops/manuscri.html )
715
Codex Amitinus, manuscript of the Vulgate written in Northumbrian
uncial.
716
Amiatinus. Codex Amiatinus, made at the scriptorium of the twin
monasteries Wearmouth and Jarrow near Newcastle, Northumbria.
This codex brings together the entire old and new testament in 1,030
folios in a single binding..
750
Aureus. Codex Aureaus written, probably at Canterbury
750
Canterbury School of manuscript illumination, active until 13th century.
750
Paper making reached Samarkand before 750, Baghdad in 793,
Damascus and Cairo in approximately 950. Through the Arab
conquest of North Africa and Southern Spain, the invention first
reached the Moorish parts of Spain in the 11th century. A mill was
recorded at Fez in Morocco in 1100, and the first on the Spanish
mainland at Xativa in 1151. It reached Southern Italy in the 13th
century, where, untill quite recently, some of the oldest handmade
paper mills in Italy were operating near Amalfi, in the Naples area.
4
750
Willibrord Gospels made appr. 750, probably made by the artists of the
Book of Durrow
751
Papermaking introduced in the Islamic world
800
Marbling in Japan, first Turkish marbled paper 1586, first Dutch 1598
800
Kells, Book of. written and painted at the Columbian monastery of Iona
or at the Abbey of Kells in Ireland. 340 folia survived. Since 1661 in
Trinity College, Dublin
800
Marbling in Japan, first Turkish marbled paper 1586, first Dutch 1598
868
China, oldest known woodblock printing (method was in use much
earlier)
868
The first book printed on paper in China, in block printed Buddhist
scripts.
896
Colophon, oldest known manuscript colophon, in Books of the
Prophets written by Moses ben Asher in Tiberias.
896
Colophon, oldest known manuscript colophon, in Books of the
Prophets written by Moses ben Asher in Tiberias.
950
Winchester School, 950-1100, characteristic style of manuscript
illumination
954
Abingdon Monastery founded by Aethelwold, monks famous for
manuscript illumination, Winchester School
1041
In 1403 the earliest known book was printed from movable type in
Korea, a process which had been used by the Chinese as early as
1041. In 1450 Gutenberg printed his 42-line Bible in Mainz on a quality
of handmade paper which remains unsurpassed to this day. 26 Years
later William Caxton brought the art of printing to England, and in 1486
the first English coloured illustrated book was printed in St. Albans.
1068
Fatimite. Library of the Fatimite family (Cairo) destoyed by the Turks
1085
Papermaking in Jativa Spain
1140
Winchester Bible, 1140-1190, English late Romanesque illumination
1140
Winchester Bible, 1140-1190, English late Romanesque illumination
5
1147
Utrecht Psalter, Eadwine Psalter, copy of the Utrecht Psalter, example
of Canterbury Romanesque written at Christchurch by Eadwine
1238
Papermaking mill established in Capellades, Catalonia
1250
Fore Edge Painting, first on French psalter manuscript
1250
the first record of block printing (on paper?) in Egypt.
1276
The important invention of watermarking was made at one of the
Fabriano Mills in Tuscany during the second half of the 13th century.
One can assume that the reason for the watermark was to give the
product a branded trade mark of superior quality. There exists a
remarkable archive of Fabriano watermarks going back to the first one
in 1276, showing a mark for each year until modern times.
1276
Paper. First papermill established in Italy
1282
Watermark, Oldes know watermark (Italy)
1282
Watermark, Oldes know watermark (Italy)
1283
Fabriano, town inwhich first Italian papermill was established. Still
name of an Italian handmade paper
1283
Fabriano, town inwhich first Italian papermill was established. Still
name of an Italian handmade paper
1290
Edda, Elder Edda (Saemundar Edda) written, presented to King
Frederik III by the Icelandic bishop Brynjolfur Sveinsson, now in the
Copenhagen Royal Library)
1313
Giovanni Boccacio (1313-1375), author of the DECAMERON.
1325
Biblia Pauperum made in Klosterneuburg near Vienna
1325
Biblia Pauperum made in Klosterneuburg near Vienna
1325
Belleville Breviary by Jean Pucelle (Parisian manuscript painter)
1338
Paper, oldest known papermill in France
1340
Berry, Jean duc de (d.1416). Les Tres Riches Heures.
6
1373
Bibliotheque Nationale. Charles V is said to be the founder of this
library. The 1373 catalogue of his library lists about 1000 volumes,
housed in the Louvre
1389
Bedford, John of Lancaster, Duke. The Bedford Missal, 1423
1396
Philip the Good, Duke of Burgundy.
1399
Gutenberg, Johann, d.1468, born in Mainz as Johann Gensfleisch zum
Gutenberg
1399
Gutenberg..Year of birth Gutenberg
1400
Chaucer died
1410
Ellesmere Chaucer, illustrated manuscript of the Canterbury Tales
1418
Woodcut, oldest known specimen
1418
Rohan Book of Hours, made for Yolande of Aragon.
1420
Fouquet, Jean, d.1480, leading 15th century manuscript painter (Hours
of Etienne de Chavalier)
1420
Jenson, Nocolaus, d. 1480, punchcutter and printer of Venice
1420
Caxton, William, born.
1421
Bisticci, Vespasiano da, d.1498, Florentine bookseller, had people like
Cosimo de Medici as customer.
1423
Buxheim Saint Christopher, early dated European woodcut illustrations
1425
Mansion, Colard, d.1484, one of the leading calligraphers in Bruges,
Belgium
1425
Mansion, Colard, d.1484, one of the leading calligraphers in Bruges,
Belgium
1425
Marmion, Simon, d.1489. Flemish miniature painter, amongst others
Grandes Chroniques de France for Philip the Good
1430
Weyden, Rogier van der, d.1464, illustration in Chronique du Haunaut.
1430
Xylographic. First xylographic books, or block books produced in
Germany and Holland
7
1430
Weyden, Rogier van der, d.1464, illustration in Chronique du Haunaut.
1434
Wolgemut, Michael, d.1519, Nuremberg painter famous for his designs
for woodcuts.
1435
Hours of Catherine of Cleves made in Utrecht, Holland
1436
Regiomontanus, Johanes, d. 1476, printer at Königsberg, Germany,
publisher of astronomical works
1440
Koberger, Anton, d.1513. Printer in Neuremberg since 1470. First
dated book Disciplinarum Platonis Epitome, 1472
1440
Koberger, Anton, d.1513. Printer in Neuremberg since 1470. First
dated book Disciplinarum Platonis Epitome, 1472
1441
Marciana. Bibliotheca Marciana founded by Cosimo de Medici
1448
Chronique du Hainaut, illustration by Rogier van der Weyden
(manuscript is in Royal Library of Brussels)
1450
Manutius. year of birth Aldus Manutius (Teobaldo Manucci), d.1515
1453
Constantine library. Many books were burnt in this year
(Constantinople captured by the Turks) or carried away and sold
1454
Gutenberg. publication of Turkenkalender (Fust, Schöffer, Gutenberg
(??)
1455
Block Books in Europe, between 1455 and 1510.
1455
Biblia Pauperum, first xylographic version made in Germany
1456
Gutenberg. 42-line bible by Gutenberg
1457
Colour printing, earliest example in Mainz Psalter
1457
Mainz Psalter by Fust and Schoffer
1458
Corvinus, Matthias, d.1490, King of Hungary, famous bookcollector
1460
Froben, Johann, d.1527, started printing in Basle 1491. Printer of
Erasmus publications
1460
Catholicon of Johannes Baldus printed by Schöffer
8
1461
Edelstein, der, by Ulrich Boner, printed by Albrecht Pfister of Bamberg,
first printed book with woodcut illustrations
1461
Biblia Pauperum issued in Bamberg with handcolored illustrations
1462
Badius Ascensius, Jodocus (1535). Parisian printer
1464
Weijden, Rogier van der, death of.
1465
Biblia Pauperum, first typeset edition made near Brussels, illustrations
based on drawings by Rogier van der Weijden.
1465
The first drypoint engravings known in the history of prints are those of
the MASTER OF THE HOUSEBOOK, active in Germany between
1465 and 1500. The technique was also used, though rarely, by Dürer,
for example in his St. Jerome by a Pollard Willow (1512). The
unsurpassed master was to be Rembrandt, who used drypoint on its
own, or with etching.
1465
Canticum Canticorum, illustrated by Memling(?) or Van der Weijden(?)
1465
Biblia Pauperum, first typeset edition made near Brussels, illustrations
based on drawings by Rogier van der Weijden.
1465
Biblia Pauperum, first typeset edition made near Brussels, illustrations
based on drawings by Rogier van der Weijden.
1465
The first drypoint engravings known in the history of prints are those of
the MASTER OF THE HOUSEBOOK, active in Germany between
1465 and 1500. The technique was also used, though rarely, by Dürer,
for example in his St. Jerome by a Pollard Willow (1512).
1466
Petrucci, Ottaviano, d.1539. Printer in Venice who established a
papermill that remained active until the 19th century
1466
Ars Moriendi published first time
1466
Petrucci, Ottaviano, d.1539. Printer in Venice who established a
papermill that remained active until the 19th century
1466
Erasmus, Desiderius, d.1536
1467
Italy. First book printed in Rome by Ulrich Han
1467
Hypnerotomachia Poliphili written by Francesco Colonna
9
1468
Gutenberg dies February 3rd
1469
Arches Papermill in Vosges, France
1469
Arches Papermill in Vosges, France
1469
Bookbinding, the first time the roller or roulette appeared in German
binderies
1471
Malermi Bible (Italian translation of the Vulgate) first printed in Venice
by Wendelin da Spira
1471
Malermi Bible (Italian translation of the Vulgate) first printed in Venice
by Wendelin da Spira
1471
Malermi Bible (Italian translation of the Vulgate) first printed in Venice
by Wendelin da Spira
1471
Malermi Bible (Italian translation of the Vulgate) first printed in Venice
by Wendelin da Spira
1471
Durer, Albrecht, d.1528
1472
Cranach, Lucas, d.1553. German painter and woodcutter.
1472
DIVINE COMEDY, first printed edition of Dante's epic poem
1472
Speculum Humanae Salvationes printed by Gunther Zainer
1473
Burckmaier, Hans, d.1531. After Durer leading (book)illustrator.
1473
Ducali bindings, from 1473-1600, bindings made for the edicts,
decrees and governor's commisions issued by the Doges of Venice
1473
Philobiblon. Richard de Bury's treatise written in praise of books
1475
Belgium, First books printed by Colard Mansion of Bruges
1477
Intaglio. First book with intaglio illustrations 'Il Monte Sancto di Dio'
published in Florence
1479
Grolier, Jean, d.1565. Famous French bibliphile, famous for the
bindings of his books
1479
Carpi, Ugo da, d.1533, leading engraver of Venice and Rome, likely
one of the developers, inventors of chiarusco printing
10
1482
Poeticon Astronomicon by Erhard Ratdolt, illustrated with allegorical
woodcuts
1483
Cologne Bible by Anton Koberger of Nuremberg
1486
Chevalier Libere, printed 1486 by Gotfred van Os at Gouda (book
deals with Charles the Bold)
1486
Caxton, William prints his first books in England, in Westminster
1489
Denmark. Bookprinting came to Copenhagen with the arrival of the
Dutch printer Gotfried van Os, who called himself Gotfred of Ghemen
1490
Blado, Antonio, d.1567. Printer in Rome, had cursive type face
designed by Arrighi.
1490
Blado, Antonio, d.1567. Printer in Rome, had cursive type face
designed by Arrighi.
1493
The earliest known etchings are by Daniel Hopfer, active at Augsburg
between 1493 and 1536, the Swiss Urs Graf, and Dürer, who did five
etchings on iron, among them The Agony in the Garden, and The
Cannon. Lucas van Leyden (1489-1533) also used this technique on a
few rare occasions. The earliest Italian etching is by Parmigianino
(1503-1540), whose prints are more sketchy and spontaneous than
those of the Northern artists. Etching is above all the medium of
Rembrandt: with it he reached a depth and universality of expression
never equalled in the history of prints.
1493
Hartmann Schedel's Weltchronik published with illustrations by
Wolgemut
1493
Leeu, Gerard, d.1493, printer at Gouda, Holland
1494
Brant. Sebastian Brant's Narrenschiff published, illustrated with
woodcuts, among them the famous Bookfool woodcut by Durer (?)
1494
DAS NARRENSCHIFF by Sebastian Brant, first publication. Within
fifteen years the work appeared in one Latin, three French, one Dutch,
one Low German and an English version. One reason often cited to
explain Brant's far-reaching appeal was that he wrote in short chapters,
mixed his *fools* skillfully, and maintained a fluid style that engaged his
readers.
1494
Brant. Sebastian Brant's Narrenschiff published, illustrated with
woodcuts, among them the famous Bookfool woodcut by Durer (?)
11
1494
Narrenschiff, Ship of Fools, by Sebastian Brant, published by
Bergmann von Olpe, Basle, illustrated with 114 woodcuts.
1494
Brant. Sebastian Brant's Narrenschiff published, illustrated with
woodcuts, among them the famous Bookfool woodcut by Durer (?)
1494
Narrenschiff, Ship of Fools, by Sebastian Brant, published by
Bergmann von Olpe, Basle, illustrated with 114 woodcuts.
1495
Bembo. First Latin book from the Aldus' press was Pietro Bembo's
dialog about Aetna (printed in a roman type that became the model for
later French types, including Garamond's
1495
Griffo, Francesco, cut 'old face' roman type for Aldus Manutius
1495
Bale, John (1563). Compiler of first bibliography in England
1495
Manutius, Greek Grammar, first book published by Manutius
1495
Lufft, Hans, d.1584, printer-publisher of Wittenberg
1495
Manutius, Edition of Aristotle in five volumes, first complete edition in
Greek, printed/published between 1495-1498
1497
Holbein, Hans, d.1543.
1497
Neudörfer, Johann, d. 1563, writing master of Nuremberg, his
'Fundament' was the first writing book to be published (collection of
Fraktur scripts).
1498
Music Printing using movable type invented by Ottaviano Petrucci of
Venice
1498
Durer's Apocalypse series woodcuts
1498
Music Printing using movable type invented by Ottaviano Petrucci of
Venice
1499
Printing Press, oldest known reproduction of, in Dance of Death printed
in Lyon by M.Huss
1499
Hypnerotomachia Poliphili printed by Manutius
1500
Garamont, Claude, d.1561. Parisian type designer and punchcutter
12
1501
Manutius. First time use of Francescop Griffo's *Italic* type by
Manutius
1501
Manutius. Virgil edition; first book by Aldus Manutius in octavo format
1501
Manutius. First time use of Francescop Griffo's *Italic* type by
Manutius
1502
Egenolff, Christian, d.1555, established press and foundry in Frankfurt
1530
1507
Chiaroscuro, first by Georg Lucas Cranach.
1507
Chiaroscuro, first by Georg Lucas Cranach.
1507
Oporinus, Johannes, d.1568, scholar-printer of Basle, issued more
than 800 publications, including Koran and writings by Luther. Most
important: Andreas Vesalius 'De Humani Corporis Fabrica' (anatomical
study)
1508
Earliest dated German colour woodcut: The Emperor Maximilian on
Horseback by Hans Burgkmair (1473-1531)
1508
The Emperor Maximilian on Horseback by Hans Burgkmair (14731531)
1508
Jost de Negker, active in Antwerp 1508-1544, master of Burgkmair,
Cranach and Hans Baldung Grien. Believed to be the inventor of the
colored woodcut.
1508
Active in Antwerp 1508-1544, master of Burgkmair, Cranach and Hans
Baldung Grien. Believed to be the inventor of the colored woodcut.
1509
Narrenschiff, English adaptation Ship of Fools by Alexander Barclay,
based on the latin translation by Jacob Locher.
1510
Grolier was in Italy as a French legate from 1510-1537
1512
Mercator, Gerard, d.1592 (Gerhard Kremer) Cartographer,
mathematician. 1537 established a business as globe and map maker.
1513
Fraktur, first book printed in this type, Prayer book of Maximilian teh
First
1514
Denmark Chronicle printed by Ascenius in Paris
13
1514
Denmark Chronicle printed by Ascenius in Paris
1515
Be, Guillaume le, d.1598, punchmaker, matrix maker and typefounder
of troyes
1515
Manutius, year inwhich Manutius died
1516
Bible. Johan Froben of Basle published New Testament in Greek
1516
Bible. Johan Froben of Basle published New Testament in Greek
1516
Ugo da Carpi (1480-1532), obtained from the Signoria of Venice the
privilege for the chiaroscuro woodcut, which he claimed to have
invented, even though none of his woodcuts is dated earlier than 1518.
1516
(1480-1532), obtained from the Signoria of Venice the privilege for the
chiaroscuro woodcut, which he claimed to have invented, even though
none of his woodcuts is dated earlier than 1518.
1517
Teuerdank for emporer Maximilian published in a type that is
considered to be a forerunner of the fraktur type. Book was printed by
Hans Schönsperger.
1517
Luthers fight against the Roman Catholic church starts. This is
considered to be the first revolution of ideas supported by the fast and
wide spread of written information thanks to the invention of printing
1520
Plantin, Christopher, d.1589
1521
Cambridge University Press founded.
1522
Luther, Melchior Lotter printed the first edition of Luthers' translation of
the New Testament
1522
Luther, Melchior Lotter printed the first edition of Luthers' translation of
the New Testament
1522
Luther, Melchior Lotter printed the first edition of Luthers' translation of
the New Testament
1523
Holbein's Dance of Death drawn.
1525
Laurenziana. Michelangelo erects building for the Bibliotheca
Laurenziana (De Medici collection)
14
1527
Ortelius, Abraham, d. 1598, published of Antwerp (original name:
Abraham Wortels), cartographer and publisher of maps. Theatrum
Orbis Terrarum 1570
1528
Feierabend, Sigmund, d.1590, woodcutter and typecutter, Heidelberg,
Germany
1529
Enchiridion der kleine Catechismus fur die gemeine Pfarher und
Prediger, Gemehrt und gebessert durch Mart.Luther, Wittenberg
1529
Tory, Geoffroy Tory's Champleury published in Paris
1530
Tory, Geoffroy, becomes the first royal printer in Paris
1530
Miguel de Cervantes (1513-1616), author of DON QUIXOTE
1531
Krause, Jakob, d.1586. German bookbinder, active in Paris , Augsburg
and Dresden
1531
Emblem Books, the first anthology of emblems was printed in
Augsburg by Heinrich Steiner: Emblematum Liber
1534
Frankfurt Bookfair
1534
Luther. First complete Luther bible translation, illustrated, was printed
by Hans Lufft at Wittenberg
1534
Luther. First complete Luther bible translation, illustrated, was printed
by Hans Lufft at Wittenberg
1536
Lotter, Melchior, d.1536, printer of Leipzig, friend of Luther
1537
France I ordered that all French presses should deliver a copy of every
book they printed to the royal library
1538
Dance of Death with Holbein's illustrations printed in Lyon by Gaspar
and Melchior Treschel
1538
Holbein's Dance of Death published in Lyons
1539
Amman. birth Jost Amman
1540
Keere, Hendrik van den, d.1580. Punchcutter, binder and printer in
Ghent, Belgium
1540
Paper, first papermill in Stockholm
15
1540
Egerton, Sir Thomas, d.1617, founder of one of the oldest private
libraries in Britain; in 1917 a large portion of the archives was bought
by Henry E. Huntington
1543
Vesalius, Andreas, 'De Humani Corporis Fabrica', anatomical study,
published by Johannes Oporinus
1543
Moretus, Joannes (Jan Moerentorf), d.1610. Plantin's son in law and
successor.
1545
Bodley, Sir Thomas, d.1613. Rebuilder of Oxford University Library
bearing his name.
1545
Granjon, Robert, d.1589, Paris/Lyon, punchcutter and typedesigner
1545
Bodley, Sir Thomas, d.1613. Rebuilder of Oxford University Library
bearing his name.
1546
Farnese. The Farnese Hours manuscript produced in Rome for
Alessandro Cardinal Farnese. Presently in the Pierpont Morgan
Library, New York
1546
Elzevier, Louis, d.1617, founder of Elzevier Press and publishing office
(originally from Louvain, worked with Plantin in Antwerp and later
settled in Leyden)
1549
Book of Common Prayer, first complete edition in England.
1550
Oxford library plundered by soldiers of Edward VI
1553
Marguerite de France, d.1615. Wife of Henry IV of France, important
bookcollector amongst others items from library of Duke de Berry
1553
Ferrara Bible printed by Abraham ibn Usque
1553
Ferrara Bible printed by Abraham ibn Usque
1553
Queen Mary acquired the 14th century psalter (English psalter with
223 tinted drawings). Now in the British Library
1556
Civilite, designed by Robert Granjon.
1558
Mistress of Henry II, lobbied succesfully for a passage of an ordinace
that required French publishers to present copies of every book they
issued to the libraries of Blois and Fontainebleau.
16
1563
Hondius, Jodocus, d.1612, Dutch map engraver
1569
Plantin, Polyglot Bible
1569
Plantin, Polyglot Bible
1569
Polyglot Bible, printed by Plantin between 1569 and 1572 for Philip II of
Spain
1570
Ortelius. Theatrum Orbis Terrarum, famous atlas by Abraham Ortelius
1570
Fanfare, until 1640, book cover decoration developed in France
(interlacing ribbons)
1570
Fanfare, until 1640, book cover decoration developed in France
(interlacing ribbons)
1571
Blaeu, Willem Janszoon, d.1638. Map engraver, bookseller, printer of
Amsterdam
1571
Cotton, Sir Robert, d.1631. famous London manuscript collector, one
of the early owners of the Utrecht Psalter
1580
Jannon, Jean, d.1658, Geneva, punchcutter, typefounder and printer,
worked in Sedan, France.
1584
Wagoner. Publication of 'Spegel der Zeevaerdt' printed in Leyden by
Plantin, seecharts by Waghenaer. From his name was the term
Wagoner for seecharts derived
1584
Ruette, Mace, d.1644, Parisian master binder and court binder
1584
Ruette, Mace, d.1644, Parisian master binder and court binder
1584
Wagoner. Publication of 'Spegel der Zeevaerdt' printed in Leyden by
Plantin, seecharts by Waghenaer. From his name was the term
Wagoner for seecharts derived
1584
Wagoner. Publication of 'Spiegel der Zeevaerdt' printed in Leyden by
Plantin, seecharts by Waghenaer. From his name was the term
Wagoner for seecharts derived
1584
Wagoner. Publication of 'Spegel der Zeevaerdt' printed in Leyden by
Plantin, seecharts by Waghenaer. From his name was the term
Wagoner for seecharts derived
17
1589
Plantin's death
1590
Cathach Psalter, attributed to St.Columba, Irish manuscript.
1593
Philippines, The first book printed in Manilla: Doctrina Christiana
(Unique copy in Lessing J.Rosenwald collection)
1594
Leipzig bookfair
1596
Jansson, Joannes, d. 1664, Dutch printer and publisher, famous for his
atlasses
1600
Naude, Gabriel, d.1653, librarian to Cardinal Mazarin.
1601
Dijck, Christoffel van, d.1669, Amsterdam punchcutter, in 1673 his
foundry was acquired by Daniel Elzevier
1602
Oxford library reestablished by Queen Elizabeth's statesman Thomas
Bodley
1603
Digby, Sir Kenelm, d.1665, donor of the Bodleian Library
1618
Blaeu firm, renown for their atlasses, active from 1618 to 1672
1620
Uppsala University founded and books were presented to the
university library by Gustavus Adolphus (many of the collections he
took from Riga and Prussia and South Germany)
1620
Janson, Anton, d.1687. Dutch typefounder, trained in Amsterdam by
Christophel Plantin
1623
Vaillant, Wallerant, d.1677, Dutch artist active in mezzotint technique
1623
Vaillant, Wallerant, d.1677, Dutch artist active in mezzotint technique
1626
Facsimile. first facsimile edition by Plantin, 16th century Martyrologium
Hieronymianum (engraved on copper plates)
1627
Naude, Gabriel. In building their libraries Richelieu and Mazarin
received considerable assistance from theisr librarian Naude, who
published 1627 the book 'Advis pour dresser une bibliotheque'
1629
Blaeu Atlasses made between 1629 and 1662.
1634
Bodleian library, see: Digby, Sir Kenelm
18
1640
Blooteling, Abraham, d.1690. Developed mezzotint (invented in 1642
by Ludwig von Siegen)
1640
Bay Psalm Book published
1640
Blooteling, Abraham, d.1690. Developed mezzotint (invented in 1642
by Ludwig von Siegen)
1640
Imprimerie Royale du Louvre established at the instigation of
Richelieu, first book published 'De Imitatione Christi'
1642
Mezzotint invented by Ludwig von Siegen.
1642
Mezzotint invented by Ludwig von Siegen.
1643
Mazarin, First Mazarin bibliotheque opened for scientists and literary
scholars
1648
Devil's Bible. When the Swedes stormed Prague in 1648 they
took(stole) many books including the rich collection of the Bohemian
kings at Hradschin, many vellum manuscripts, including the Devil's
Bible
1648
Devil's Bible. When the Swedes stormed Prague in 1648 they
took(stole) many books including the rich collection of the Bohemian
kings at Hradschin, many vellum manuscripts, including the Devil's
Bible
1650
Atlas Magnus Blaeu made between 1650-1662.
1650
Atlas Magnus Blaeu made between 1650-1662.
1660
Mezzotint. The technique of the mezzotint seems to have been
invented by a German soldier, Ludwig von Siegen (1609-c.1680); the
earliets known mezzotint is The Grand Executioner done in about 1660
by Prince Rupert, the Palatine Prince Ruprecht von der Pflatz (16191682). The Colossus by Francisco Goya (1746-1828), engraved in
about 1815, was produced entirely by this technique, which was later
taken up by others, notably by Edvard Munch (1863-1944).
1661
Bible. first bible published in America by Samuel Green (John Eliot's
Algonquin Indian version)
1661
Bible. first bible published in America by Samuel Green (John Eliot's
Algonquin Indian version)
19
1661
Bible. first bible published in America by Samuel Green (John Eliot's
Algonquin Indian version)
1662
Faithorne,William: 'The Art of Graveing and Etching' published
1662
Blaeu, publication of Atlas Major in 11 volumes
1666
Grandjean de Fouchy, Philippe, d.1714, Parisian punchcutter, a.o.
'Romain du Roi'
1667
Jakob Christof Le Blon (1667-1741) was the first to produce an
engraving in several colours. He took as his starting point Newston's
theory, published in 1702, which stated that all colours in the spectrum
are composed of the three primary colours -blue, yellow and red. In
practice, however, in order to obtain a satisfactory impression, a fourth
plate had to be added, bearing black lines.
1673
Hollander, paperpulp beating machine, probably by Jacob Honingh in
Zaandijk, Holland
1673
Hollander, paperpulp beating machine, probably by Jacob Honingh in
Zaandijk, Holland
1686
Magnus, Albertus (d.) important 17th century Amsterdam bookbinder,
amongst others Elzevier Bibles
1686
Magnus, Albertus (d.) important 17th century Amsterdam bookbinder,
amongst others Elzevier Bibles
1689
Christina of Sweden. At her death in 1689, Christina of Sweden's
library, known as the Bibliotheca Alessandrina (she considered herself
a female Alexander the Great), was transferred to the Vatican Library.
1689
At her death in 1689 her library, known as the Bibliotheca Alessandrina
(she considered herself a female Alexander the Great), was
transferred to the Vatican Library.
1690
Paper, first papermaking in America
1691
Mazarin. Second Mazarin bibliotheque opened
1693
Caslon, William, d.1766. English typefounder.
1695
Luce, Louis-Rene, d.1774, punchcutter working for the Imprimerie
Royal
20
1701
Fleischman, Johann Michael, d.1768, Nuremberg punchcutter
1702
Jakob Christof Le Blon (1667-1741) was the first to produce an
engraving in several colours. He took as his starting point Newston's
theory, published in 1702, which stated that all colours in the spectrum
are composed of the three primary colours -blue, yellow and red. In
practice, however, in order to obtain a satisfactory impression, a fourth
plate had to be added, bearing black lines.
1703
Enschede Printing office founded in Haarlem by Izaac Enschede
1706
Baskerville, John (1775), Typefounder and printer in Birmingham.
1706
Franklin, Benjamin, d.1790, printer, publisher, statesman
1709
Copyright Act in England
1713
Baine, John (1790). Edinburgh typefounder
1716
Utrecht Psalter donated to the Utrecht University Library by Willem de
Ridder, an official of the States of Utrecht.
1717
Horace Walpole (1717-1797), author of thousands of diverting letters.
1725
Ibarra, Joaquim, d.1785, printer in Madrid, court printer to Carlos III
1726
Austria. Imperial Library (now National Library) building built by
J.B.Fischer
1726
Chodowiecki, Daniel Nikolaus, d.1801. German artis-engraver.
1730
Didot, Francois-Ambroise, d.1804, oldest of Didot family, famous
French printing family
1733
Jackson, Joseph, d.1792, London typecutter and founder
1734
Aquatint. This process was invented by Jean-Baptiste Le Prince (17341784). François Janinet (1752-1813) was the first to employ it for
colour prints, by using several plates. Francisco Goya made great use
of it, often combining it with line engraving, etching and also drypoint.
In more recent times it has been one of the favourite techniques of
Georges Rouault (1871-1958) and Pablo Picasso.
1738
Walter, John, d.1812, founder of newspaper The Times, 1785/1788
21
1738
Engelmann, Gottfried, d.1839, lithograph printer, inventor of
chromolythography in 1836
1738
Walter, John, d.1812, founder of newspaper The Times, 1785/1788
1740
Bodoni, Giambatista,d.1813. Italian printer and punchcutter.
1746
Johnson's Dictionary, made in England, between 1746 and 1773
1753
British Library. The national library of Britain came into being in 1753
when parliament decided to purchase the collection of books and
manuscripts that had been left by Hans Sloane. A few years later
George II presented the Royal library
1753
Bewick, Thomas (d. 1828)
1755
Edwards of Halifax binding firm founded by William Edwards of
Yorkshire
1755
Edwards of Halifax binding firm founded by William Edwards of
Yorkshire
1756
Egerton, Francis Henry, d. 1829, bibliophile who donated a collection
of 67 manuscripts to the British Museum
1757
Bohn, Johann,d.1843. German binder, noted for his gilded doublures,
and paper marbling
1757
Blake, William, d.1827. English artist-illustrator, illustrated Milton and
Dante editions.
1757
Bohn, Johann,d.1843. German binder, noted for his gilded doublures,
and paper marbling
1758
Silvestre de Sacy (1758-1838), sensible and analytical scholar, a
briljant man who served from 1833 to his death as keeper of Oriental
manuscripts at the Bibliothèque Nationale in Paris.
1758
Silvestre de Sacy (1758-1838), sensible and analytical scholar, a
briljant man who served from 1833 to his death as keeper of Oriental
manuscripts at the Bibliothèque Nationale in Paris.
1759
Balston, William (1849). English papermaker
1759
Balston, William (1849). English papermaker
22
1765
Pop-up. Robert Sayer of London produces childrens' metamorphosis,
the Harliquinades.
1765
Niepce, Joseph Nicephore, d. 1833, inventor of photography (1826)
1765
Niepce, Joseph Nicephore, d. 1833, inventor of photography (1822)
1766
Traite de la Gravure en Bois by Jean Michel Papillon
1766
Traite de la Gravure en Bois by Jean Michel Papillon
1768
Darlington Press, private press, established atThe Grange ny George
Allen
1770
Chatterton, Thomas. (1752-1770). English poet, known for his literary
frauds distinguished by poetic genius. He wrote a number of poems
which
he pretended were the work of one Thomas Rowley, a non-existent
monk of
the 15th century.
1770
Whatman paper, English hand-made wove paper first made by James
Whatman at Maidstone
1770
Whatman paper, English hand-made wove paper first made by James
Whatman at Maidstone
1772
Ballantyne, James (1833). Publisher of Sir Walter Scott
1772
Ballantyne, James (1833). Publisher of Sir Walter Scott
1774
König, Friedrich, d.1833. Inventor of the cylinder press
1774
König, Friedrich, d.1833. Inventor of the cylinder press
1782
Dickinson, John, d.1869, inventor of the cylinder printing machine
1782
Dickinson, John, d.1869, inventor of the cylinder printing machine
1785
Oldest German used book business founded by Joseph Baer of
Frankfurt
1785
Times. Foundation of Daily Universal Register, from 1788 to be called
The Times.
23
1787
Daguerre, Louis Jacq. Mande, d.1851, worked together with the
inventor of photography, Niepce (d.1833) and developed
daguerreotype process
1787
Daguerre, Louis Jacq. Mande, d.1851, worked together with the
inventor of photography, Niepce (d.1833) and developed
daguerreotype process
1790
Bewick: A General history of Quadrupeds
1790
Bewick: A General history of Quadrupeds
1790
Bewick's History of Quadrupeds
1793
Annales Typographici ab artis inventae origine ad annum MD by Georg
Panzer
1794
Spilsbury's 'The Art of Etching and Aqua Tinting' published
1796
Lithography experiments by Senefelder
1796
Senefelder starts experimenting printing from stone
1797
Bewick: History of British Birds Vol.I
1798
Lithography. The best kind of limestone is Bavarian. Light coloured and
perfectly smooth, it is porous and absorbs both water and greasy
substances equally well. The stone used is about six inches thick and
is fairly big, up to 90x65 cm (35x25 inches), and can weigh up to 150
or 175 pounds. The stone is ground smooth. The drawing is made on it
with a greasy lithographic pencil or crayon, and then fixed by rinsing
the stone with a very weak solution of nitric acid and gum arabic. The
stone is wiped with water before each impression is taken and, for
each print, it is inked by means of a leather-covered roller. During this
operation, the porous limestone retains the grease of the crayon where
the drawing has been made, and the parts which are not drawn upon
become impregnated with water. The ink, which is greasy, is repelled
by the water-wet areas and adheres only to the areas marked by the
crayon. See also: Senefelder.
1798
Lithography invented by Senefelder
1799
The 'Rosetta' stone is cut. It contains the same text in Egyptian
hieroglyphic, Egyptian demotic, and Greek writing. It was discovered in
1799 near the mouth of the Nile and served to break the code for
deciphering ancient Egyptian works.
24
1799
Lambinet, Pierre, published his Recherches Historiques sur l'Origine
de l'Imprimerie at Brussels
1800
Lenox, James, d.1880, American bookcollector, first to import 42-lines
Gutenberg into the USA
1800
Congress. Library of Congress Washington founded
1804
Baxter, George (d. 1867). Patented letterpress process for color
printing
1804
John Gould (1804-1881), British ornithologist and artist.
1804
Baxter, George, d.1867, inventor if the Baxter Process for colorprinting
(combination of intaglio and relief printing)
1804
Baxter, George (d. 1867). Patented letterpress process for color
printing
1804
Bewick: History of British Birds Vol II
1808
Laurenziana. The Laurenziana and Marciana libraries of the Medici's
combined in Flrence now forming the Biblioteca Mediceco-Laurenziana
1809
Xavier Marmier (1809-1892), a member of the Académie Française,
bequeathed his books to the public library in Pontarlier. In memory of
the happy moments passed among the book stall keepers on the
quays of the Left Bank he left the, the sum of 1,000 francs..
1809
Thomas Frognell Dibdin (1776-1847) published 1809: THE
BIBLIOMANIA; or, Book-Madness; containing some account of the
History, Symptoms, and Cure of this Fatal Disease.
1810
Brunet's Manuel du Libraire et de l'amateur de livres published.
1810
Brunet's Manuel du Libraire et de l'amateur de livres published.
1811
Chiswick Press founded.
1812
Cylinder Press, First built in Britain by Friedrich Konig
1814
Graesse, Johann, d.1885, wrote Tresor de Livres rares et precieux
1816
Zaehnsdorf, Joseph, d.1886, Austro-Hungarian craftman bookbinder
1817
Columbian Press by George Clymer
25
1817
Larousse, Pierre, d.1875, founder in 1856 of Parisian publishing house
1819
Sholes, Christopher, d.1890, inventor of typewriter, first perfected
typewriter was marketed by Remington 1874
1819
Sholes, Christopher, d.1890, inventor of typewriter, first perfected
typewriter was marketed by Remington 1874
1819
Sholes, Christopher, d.1890, inventor of typewriter, first perfected
typewriter was marketed by Remington 1874
1819
Senefelder's 'Complete course of lithography' published
1819
Quaritch, Bernard, d. 1899, antiquarian bookseller
1822
Heliography invented by Niépce in 1822. He made his first photograph
in 1826.
1822
Edmond de Goncourt (1822-1896) he and his brother jules achieved
widespread fame as collaborative artists and novelists of French
manners. His library, Bibliothèque Goncourt, was offered for sale in
1987.
1822
Invented by Niépce. He made his first photograph in 1826.
1824
Atheneum Club in London founded by Richard Heber
1825
Börsenverein der Deutsche Buchhandlung, Organization for German
Booktrade, founded (those engaged in reprinting were excluded!)
1827
Deberny and Peignot, largest typefounding firm of France established,
based on association by the novelist Balzac and printer Andre Barbier
1828
Rossetti, Dante Gabriel, d.1882, painter and poet, designer of
bookbindings
1828
De Vinne, Theodore, d.1914, American printer, co-founder of the
Grolier Club
1829
Braille, Invention of embossed printing for the blind by Louis Braille.
1830
Drum Cylinder Press by R.Hoe
1830
Stanhope Press
26
1832
(1832-1908). Germany. Studied at Düsseldorf and Munich academies.
Painter, graphic artist, poet, illustrator. Book: Krischan mit der Piepe
(1864)
1832
Bookbinding, invention of sewing machine by Philip Watt of London
1832
Raucourt's 'A Manual of Lithography' published
1832
Bookbinding, invention of sewing machine by Philip Watt of London
1833
Daguerreotype invented
1833
(1833-1898). England. Attended Exeter College with William Morris,
with whom he settled in London. Associated with Pre-Raphaelites.
Books: The Works of Geoffrey Chaucer Now Newly Imprinted
(Kelmscott Press, 1896)
1833
(1833-1914). Born in Paris. Worked for a commercial lithographer,
studied with Guichard. Began etching 1849. Chief painter for Sèvres
factory and director of studio for decoration of Haviland porcelain.
Book: Les Fleurs du Mal (1861)
1834
Morris, William, d.1896. Started the Kelmscott Press in 1891.
1835
Baxter patented his printing process
1835
experiments with photography
1835
First photogenic drawing in 1835; first calotype in 1840.
1836
Chromolithography by Gottfried Engelmann
1837
Chromolitography, first time use of this term
1837
Bauersche Giesserei (until 1971). Typefounders
1838
Knight, Charles, patented a method of color printing in which four relief
blocks of wood or metal rotated and impressed in turn on to a sheet of
paper
1839
Head of the Charité Clinic in Paris, Dr. Alfred Donné, was the first to
announce success with etching daguerreotype plates.
1839
Head of the Charité Clinic in Paris, Dr. Alfred Donné, was the first to
announce success with etching daguerreotype plates.
27
1840
Illustrated London News founded
1840
Polidori Private Press founded, ceased activities in 1850
1840
Illustration, first issue
1840
18 April 1840 Dr. Joseph Berres, professor of anatomy in Vienna,
stated in the Wiener Zeitung that he had succeeded in converting
daguerreotypes in to printing plates.
1840
Illustrierte Zeitung first issue published
1841
First achromatic portrait lens specially designed for photography by
Joseph Petzval, Vienna, introduced by Friedrich Voigtlaender.
1841
Meisenbach, Georg, d.1912. Inventor of half-tone reproduction
1841
paperback. First paperbacks by Tauchnitz Verlag Germany
1841
First achromatic portrait lens specially designed for photography by
Joseph Petzval, Vienna, introduced by Friedrich Voigtlaender.
1841
Meisenbach, Georg, d.1912. Inventor of half-tone reproduction
1841
paperback. First paperbacks by Tauchnitz Verlag Germany
1843
Paper, first time use wood for making paper
1844
Lanston, Tolbert, d.1913, inventor of monotype typesetting
1848
Chatto's 'History and Art of Wood Engraving' published
1848
Bampton Press' foundation date.
1848
Marx, Karl: 'Das Kapital' published
1850
Henry E. Huntington (1850-1927), millionaire entrepreneur built a
library on the grounds of an old orange grove in Sam Marino in
Southwest California. Library is amongst the finest in the world.
1850
Heidelberg, First press made by Andreas Hamm
1853
Photographic Society of London founded by Sir Charles Eastlake.
1853
Nature Printing developed by Alois Auer
28
1853
Auer, Alois, invents nature printing technique (direct duplication of
natural objects)
1854
Mergenthaler, Ottmar, d.1899 from Hachtel, Germany, invented
linotype in 1884
1854
Mergenthaler, Ottmar, d.1899 from Hachtel, Germany, invented
linotype in 1884
1854
Société Française de Photographie founded by Eugène Durieu.
1856
First general treatise on the various applications of photography to the
printing press published by Georg Kessler in Berlin.
1856
First general treatise on the various applications of photography to the
printing press published by Georg Kessler in Berlin.
1857
Bullen, Henry Lewis, d.1938, creator of American Type Founders
Company Library and Museum in Jersey City.
1857
Bullen, Henry Lewis, d.1938, creator of American Type Founders
Company Library and Museum in Jersey City.
1857
John Pouncy's DORSETSHIRE PHOTOGRAPHICALLY
ILLUSTRATED was the first book illustrated by photolithography, two
volumes containing 79 plates in total.
1857
John Pouncy's DORSETSHIRE PHOTOGRAPHICALLY
ILLUSTRATED was the first book illustrated by photolithography, two
volumes containing 79 plates in total.
1857
Haebler, Konrad, d.1946. German bibliographer, research and writings
on incunabula. Gesamtkatalog der Wiegendrucke
1859
McLeish, Charles, d.1949. Binder of Edinburgh, worked for the Doves
Bindery
1859
Hupp, Otto, German engraver and type-cutter
1859
McLeish, Charles, d.1949. Binder of Edinburgh, worked for the Doves
Bindery
1859
McLeish, Charles, d.1949. Binder of Edinburgh, worked for the Doves
Bindery
29
1859
Thomas J. Wise (1859-1937), best known for the forgeries of
ninteenth-century pamphlets he cleverly produced and sold to
unexpecting wealthy collectors.
1859
Thomas J. Wise (1859-1937), best known for the forgeries of
ninteenth-century pamphlets he cleverly produced and sold to
unexpecting wealthy collectors.
1860
Jones, George W., d. 1942, Bitish master printer, founded The British
Typographia in 1887
1860
Colour photography by J.C.Maxwell
1860
Jones, George W., d. 1942, Bitish master printer, founded The British
Typographia in 1887
1860
Buckram, first used for bookcovers.
1860
Buckram, first used for bookcovers.
1863
Pissarro,Lucien, d.1944 (Eragny Press)
1863
Rotary web-fed letterpress machine invented by William Bullock.
1863
Curwen Press founded.
1863
Rotary web-fed letterpress machine invented by William Bullock.
1863
Pissarro,Lucien, d.1944 (Eragny Press)
1864
Warly English Text Society founded by F.J.Furnivall
1865
Woodburytype invented by W.B.Woodbury
1865
Goudy, Frederic W., d.1947, American type designer.
1866
Plantin Press, last dated work
1866
Ricketts,Charles, d. 1931, founder of the Vale Press
1867
Bonnard, Pierre, (1867-1947), French, studied law, worked at École
des Beaux-Arts and Académie Julian, joined the Nabis. First graphic
work 1889-1991. Lithographer, designed posters, music sheets,
periodical and book covers, and many illlustrations. Also painter.
Books:Petites Scènes Familières, Pour Piano (1893); La Lithographie
30
Originale en Couleurs (1898); Parallément (Verlaine, 1900); Daphnis et
Chloé (Longus, 1902).
1868
Thomas Jefferson Fitzpatrick (1868-1952), *field collector* for the Iowa
State Historical Society. 1913 he accepted a teaching position in the
botany department at the University of Nebraska. He left an immense
collection of books. The university of Nebraska took a *limited*
selection of 10,000 books, pamphlets, magazines dealing specifically
with botany and the history of science.
1868
Chaucer Society founded. Active until 1912.
1868
At age sixteen Emile Bernard (1868-1941) entered atelier Cormon,
where he was associated with Toulouse-Lautrec and Van Gogh. At
Pont Aven with Gaigain in 1886 and 1888. Member of Nabis. Book:
Les Amours (Pierre de Ronsard, 1915).
1869
Klingspor, Karl, d.1950. Typefounder of Offenbach am Main, Germany
1869
Harleian Society for the printing of heraldic material
1870
Rogers, Bruce, d.1957. American printer and typographer. Worked at
the Cambridge University Press and the Oxford University Press.
Types designed by Rogers: Montaigne, Centaur
1870
Cockerell, Douglas, d.1945. Leading English teacher handbookbinding
1870
Barlach, Ernst. German, studied at Hamburg School of Applied Art,
Dresden Academy, and Académie Julian in Paris. One of the most
important German expressionist artists. Some of the books he
illustrated: Der Tote Tag (1912), Der Arme Vetter (1919), Goethe
Gedichte (1924), Schiller: An Die Freude (1927).
1872
(1872-1898). Self taught artist. Draughtsman who was primarily an
illustrator, one of the most influential English artists of the nineties.
Books: The Birth, Life and Acys of King Arthur (1893-1894); Salome,
translated by Lord Alfred Bruce Douglas (1894).
1872
Johnston, Edward, d.1944, British teacher of calligraphy
1874
Kippenberg, Anton, d.1950. From 1905 director of Insel-Verlag
1874
Amy Lowell (1874-1925). The greatest of all American women
collectors. Today her collection is housed in its own room on the
second floor of the Houghton Library at Harvard University.
31
1876
(1876-1957). Rumanian. Studied in art academies of Bucharest and
Cracow, emigrated to paris 1904. One of the first abstract sculptors.
Also lithographic work. Book: Tales Told of Shem and Shaun (James
Joyce, 1929)
1876
Plantin-Moretus Museum acquired by the city of Antwerp
1877
Roos, Sjoerd de, d.1962. Leading Dutch typedesigner. Types: De
Roos Roman, Egmont, Hollandsche Mediaeval, Erasmus, Grotius.
1927 founded Heuvel Press
1878
Renner, Paul, d.1956, type designer, sanserif series Futura. Wrote Die
Kunst der Typographie, published 1940
1878
Royen, Jean-Francois van, d.1942. Director of Zilverdistel Press.
1878
Kleukens, Friedrich Wilhelm, d.1956. German graphic arts teacher,
director of Ernst Ludwig Press from 1907-1914. Founded the Kleukens
Presse in 1919 and the Mainzer Presse in 1929.
1878
Wicks, Frederick of Glasgow invented typecasting machine
1878
Wicks, Frederick of Glasgow invented typecasting machine
1878
Ehmcke, Fritz Helmut, d.1965, German graphic artist and type
designer, worked together with F.W.Kleukens
1878
Wicks, Frederick of Glasgow invented typecasting machine
1878
Kleukens, Friedrich Wilhelm, d.1956. German graphic arts teacher,
director of Ernst Ludwig Press from 1907-1914. Founded the Kleukens
Presse in 1919 and the Mainzer Presse in 1929.
1879
Regemorter, Berthe van, d.1964. Belgium bookbinder
1879
E.M.Forster (1879-1970). HOWARDS END, 1910.
1879
Regemorter, Berthe van, d.1964. Belgium bookbinder
1882
Braque, Georges, (1882-1963). Argenteuil. paris 1900, studied at
Académie Humbert and École des Beaux-Arts. Joined Fauves 1906.
With Picasso co-founder of Cubism 1908. Painter, sculptor, graphic
artist, book illustrator. Books: Le Piège de Méduse (Erik Satie, 1921);
Souspente (Tudal, 1945); Le Soleil des Eaux (Char, 1949); Les Chants
(Milarepa, 1950); Cinq Sapates (Ponge, 1950); Theogonie (Hesiod,
32
1955); La bibliothèque est en Feu (Char, 1956); Le Tir à l'Arc
(Suzuki/Herrigel, 1960)
1882
Gill, Eric, d.1940
1883
Hunter, Dard, d.1966. Leading authority on papermaking
1883
Malin, Charles, d.1955, Parisain punchcutter who in 1926 cut the
punches for Eric Gill's Perpetua type
1883
Photogravure, First in Britain by T. and R. Annan of Glasgow
1883
Malin, Charles, d.1955, Parisain punchcutter who in 1926 cut the
punches for Eric Gill's Perpetua type
1883
Hunter, Dard, d.1966. Leading authority on papermaking
1884
Beckhmann, Max. Born in Leipzig. Studied at Weimar School of Art,
joined Berlin Secession. Active in Berlin and Frankfurt. Fled to Holland
1937, to USA 1947. Taught at Washington University, St. Louis, and
Brooklyn College. expresionist painter and graphic artist. Books:
Eurydikes Wiederkehr (1909); Die Fürstin (1918); Stadtnacht (1921);
Ebbi (1924).
1884
Grolier Club, founded by Theodore de Vinne, robert Hoe a.o.'s
1884
Mergenthaler invented linotype
1885
Pop-Up. Levi Yaggy published a life size folio 'Yaggi's Anatomical
Study' with layered illustrations
1886
Linotype invented by Otto Mergenthaler
1887
(1887-1985). Born in Vitebsk. Studied in St. Petersburg with Léon
Bakst. Paris 1910-1914 asociated with the Cubists. Back in Russia
from 1914-1922. Studied graphic techniques with Hermann Struck in
Germany. Books: Mein Leben (1923); Les Ames Mortes (1948);
Arabian Nights (1951); La Fontaine Fables (1952); Bible (1956).
1888
Jean (Hans) Arp (1888-1966) Alsatian, born Strasbourg, attended
Strasbourg School of Applied Art, studied at Weimar Art School.
Contributed to Blaue Reiter exhibitions. Co-founder of DADA Zurich
1916.
1888
(1888-1978). Greece, of Italian parentage. Art school of Athens
Polytechnic Institute and Munich Academy. In Paris associated with
33
the Cubists. 1938 settled in Rome. Books: Le Mystère Laïc (1928);
Calligrammes (1930).
1889
Legrain, Pierre, d.1929, French bookbinder
1889
Pop-up. Meggendorfer's International Circus is published
1889
Morison, Stanley, d.1967. British scholar-typographer
1889
Meggendorfer's International Circus is published
1890
Harris Press, American automatic platen press
1890
Edinburgh Bibliographical Society founded
1891
Meynell, Sir Francis, d.1975. founder of the Nonesuch Press in 1923
1891
Founding American Type Founders Company
1891
Lessing J. Rosenwald, d. 1979. Former chairman of Sears, Roebuck
Co. gave to the nation 2,600 exquisite volumes, the greates
benefaction in the Library of Congress' history, including an enormous
two volume illuminated manuscript known as the Great Bible of Mainz.
produced in 1452, this book is thought to have influenced motifs and
ornamentation used in the design of Gutenbergs 42 line bible, which
was printed in the same year. Other treasures included Prolemy's
COSMOGRAPHIA; William Blake's SONGS OF INNOCENCE AND OF
EXPERIENCE; the only known copy of the first edition of the English
version of the Lohengrin legend, THE KNIGHT OF THE SWAN and the
only ilustrated book published by Manutius, Colonna's
HYPNEROTOMACHIA POLIPHILI.
1891
Kelmscott Press founded by William Morris and Emery Walker
1891
Lessing J. Rosenwald, d. 1979. Former chairman of Sears, Roebuck
Co. gave to the nation 2,600 exquisite volumes, the greatest
benefaction in the Library of Congress' history, including an enormous
two volume illuminated manuscript known as the Great Bible of Mainz.
produced in 1452, this book is thought to have influenced motifs and
ornamentation used in the design of Gutenberg’s 42 line bible, which
was printed in the same year. Other treasures included Prolemy's
COSMOGRAPHIA; William Blake's SONGS OF INNOCENCE AND OF
EXPERIENCE; the only known copy of the first edition of the English
version of the Lohengrin legend, THE KNIGHT OF THE SWAN and the
only illustrated book published by Manutius, Colonna's
HYPNEROTOMACHIA POLIPHILI.
34
1892
Krimpen, Jan van, d.1958. Dutch type designer, artistic adviser of
Enschede printing company. Types: Lutetia, Romulus, Antigone,
Romanee, Spectrum and Canceleresca
1892
Mardersteig, Giovanni, d.1977. founder of Officina Bodoni
1892
Mardersteig, Giovanni, d.1977. founder of Officina Bodoni
1892
Krimpen, Jan van, d.1958. Dutch type designer, artistic adviser of
Enschede printing company. Types: Lutetia, Romulus, Antigone,
Romanee, Spectrum and Canceleresca
1893
Chaucer edition by William Morris, Kelmscott Chaucer
1893
Kelmscott Chaucer published
1894
Eragny Press founded by Lucien Pisarro
1894
Warde, Frederic, d.1939, designer of Arrighi Italic (husband of Beatrice
Ward)
1894
Yellow Book, The, until 1897.
1894
Ashendene Press (Published until 1938)
1895
Moholy-Nagy, Laszlo, d.1946. pioneer of New Typography, teached at
the German Bauhaus and Chicago Institute of Design
1895
Nypels, Charles, d. 1952, Dutch typographer who was a pupil of De
Roos. Designed books for the First Editions Club
1896
Zander, Carl: 'Photo-trichromatic Printing, in Theory and Practice'
published
1897
Penrose Annual's first
1898
Essex House Press founded in London by Charles Robert Ashbee.
Press closed in 1910
1899
Pear Tree Press founded by James Guthrie in essex. Last book
appeared in 1951
1899
Insel Verlag founded by Harry Kessler
1900
Histoire de l'Imprimerie en France au Xve et au XVIe siecle by Anatole
Claudin
35
1900
Elston Press founded by C larke Conwell at New Rochelle, New York
1900
Doves Press established at Hammersmith, London by CobdenSanderson
1900
Warde, Beatrice, d.1969. Writer and lecturer on typography
1901
Carter, Harry, born
1901
Brugalia, Emilio, leading Spanish bookbinder, born in Barcelona.
1901
Brugalia, Emilio, leading Spanish bookbinder, born in Barcelona.
1902
Insel Verlag founed in Leipzig by Rudolf von Pöllnitz
1902
Dun Emer Press founded (later to be the Cuala Press) by Elizabeth
Yeats (sister of the poet), Ireland
1902
Dun Emer Press founded (later to be the Cuala Press) by Elizabeth
Yeats (sister of the poet), Ireland
1902
Theodor Mommsen's Römische Geschichte, a five-volume history of
Rome, published.
1903
Cuala Press founded by Elizabeth Corbet Yeats. Press stopped
activities in 1948, revived in 1969
1903
Prix Goncourt, since 1903
1906
Larousse. Publication of 'Le Petit Larousse Illustre'
1906
International Antiquarian Booksellers Assoc. founded
1907
Janus Presse, established in Leipzig by Carl Ernst Poeschel and
walter Tiemann
1909
Einhorn Press, Melchior Lechters private press founded
1910
Zilverdistel Press, in 1923 name was changed in Kunera Press
1911
Montague Press founded by Carl Purington Rollins (first time use of
Bruce Rogers' Centaur type)
1911
Bremer Presse, founded in 1911.
36
1911
Officina Serpentis founded by Eduard Wilhelm Tieffenbach (18831948)
1911
Montague Press founded by Carl Purington Rollins (first time use of
Bruce Rogers' Centaur type)
1912
Flying Fame Press founded by Claude Lovat Fraser, Holbrook Jackson
and Ralph Hodgson, active until firts WW
1912
Cranach Presse founded by Harry Graf von Kessler.
1912
Flying Fame Press founded by Claude Lovat Fraser, Holbrook Jackson
and Ralph Hodgson, active until firts WW
1913
Spanish. Barcelone art school. In Paris since 1942. Books: La Dame
de Pique (Pushkin, 1946P; Coplas (1955).
1913
Imprint, The, periodical established by Charles Meynell, Edward
Johnston and J.H.Mason
1914
Rupprecht Press founded by Fritz Helmut Ehmcke
1914
Founding of American Institute of Graphic Arts
1916
Mall Press founded in London by Emery Walker and Bruce Rogers
1916
Mall Press founded in London by Emery Walker and Bruce Rogers
1916
Mall Press founded in London by Emery Walker and Bruce Rogers
1917
Hogart Press founded by Leonard and Virginia Woolf
1917
Beaumont Press, London, closed in 1931
1918
Zapf, Hermann, book and type designer
1919
Ovid Press founded by John Rodker in London. Closed in 1920
1919
Grabhorn Press founded by Robert and Edwin Grabhorn
1919
Kleukens Presse founded by Friedrich Kleukens.
1920
Golden Cockerel Press, founded by Harold Taylor
1920
Favil Press founded by P.Sainsbury of London, active until 1961
37
1920
Silkscreen. A fabric screen with a fairly open weave, possibly nylon, is
stretched over a wooden frame, and the parts which are not to be
printed through are covered with a varnish. The paper to be printed is
placed under the frame and receives the colour when it is drawn
across the screen (pochoir, Sieb, setaccio) with a rubber blade called a
squeegee. The white areas in the print correspond to those parts of the
fabric protected by the varnish. This technique was common in China
centuries ago; after the First World War it was imported, via Japan, into
the United States, where it was improved and subsequently it became
known in Europe.
1920
Golden Cockerel Press, founded by Harold Taylor
1921
Cloister Press founded.
1921
Newbery Medal of ALA for the most distinguished book for children.
1922
Gregynog Press founded by Gwendoline and Margaret Davies, Wales
1922
Officina Bodoni founded at Montagnola di Lugano by Giovanni
Mardersteig
1922
Fleuron Society founded by Holbrook Jackson, Francis Meynell,
Bernard Newdigate, Stanley Morison and Oliver Simon
1922
First Edition Club founded by A.J.A.Symons and Max Judge
1922
Baskin, Leonard. American, born New Brunswick. Studied at Yale
University School of Fien Arts, The New School in Paris, and with
Maurice Glickman. Books illustrated: A Little Book of Natural History
(1951), Castle Street Dogs (1954), Voyages, Six Poems, Hart Crane
(1957), Horned Beetles and Other Insects (1958), Auguries of
Innocence, William Blake (1959).
1922
First Edition Club founded by A.J.A.Symons and Max Judge
1922
Oxford Bibliographical Society founded
1923
Kunera Press, Zilverdistel Press, founded 1910, was renamed Kunera
Press in 1923
1923
Nonesuch Press established by Miss Mendel, David Garnett and Sir
Francis Meynell.
1924
High House Press founded by James Masters in Shaftesbury
38
1924
Whitaker's Cumulative Book List of British books
1924
Whitaker's Cumulative Book List of British books
1926
Argonau Press, London (until 1938)
1926
Oriole Press, Joseph Ishill
1927
Golden Hind Pres founded by Arthur Rushmore, active until 1955
1927
Golden Hind Pres founded by Arthur Rushmore, active until 1955
1928
Hours Press founded by Nancy Cunard at La Chapelle, France
1929
Mainzer Presse founded by Friedrich Kleukens
1929
Limited Editions Club founded
1929
Mainzer Presse founded by Friedrich Kleukens
1930
Boar's Head Press founded by Christopher Sandford, closed in 1936.
1930
Colophon, the. First issue, until 1940 (1948-1950 New Colophon)
1931
Raven Press founded at Harrow Weald, London, by Robert Maynard
and Horace Bray
1932
Holbrook, Jackson. The fear of Books, published
1934
the first bookseller's catalogue devoted exclusively to detective fiction
as a collecting specialty. According to Otto Penzler, in his
"Encyclopedia of Mystery and Detection," this was the 1934 catalogue
of London dealer
George Bates entitled "Murder--Catalogue the Seventh of Rare and
Interesting Books Illustrating the Development of the Detective and
Mystery Story."
1935
Rogers. Oxford Lectern Bible printed by Bruce Rogers with his Centaur
type
1935
Nazis. Bookburning
1935
Dolphinn, The, American journal about the making of books, published
until 1941
39
1936
Rampant lions Press' first book, Robert Nichols' A Spanish Triptych,
published. Press was founded by Will Carter
1936
Corvinus Press founded by Viscount Carlow
1937
Maillol. Les Pastorales ou Daphnis et Chloe with woodcuts by Aristide
Maillol
1942
International League of Antiquarian Booksellers (ILAB) founded
1943
High House Press closed (founded in 1924 by James Masters)
1944
Bremer Presse destroyed by bombing.
1944
Xerography (Xerox copies) invented.
1945
Dropmore Press acquires equipment Corvinus Press
1945
Dropmore Press founded by Lord Kermsley, London
1949
Peregrine Press by Henry Evans, San Francisco
1951
Iowa State University Library erected
1952
Copyright. World Copyright Union founded in Geneva
1953
Lurs. Ecole de lure, annual international graphic arts retreat initiated by
Maximilien Vox at Lurs-en-Provence
1953
Lion and Unicorn Press by students of the Royal College of Art,
London
1954
Elzevier. Publication of 'The world of the Elzevirs' by D.W.Davies
1955
Dry Coated paper developed at the Battlefield Memorial Institute,
Columbia
1955
Dry Coated paper developed at the Battlefield Memorial Institute,
Columbia
1955
Dry Coated paper developed at the Battlefield Memorial Institute,
Columbia
1956
Rank-Xerox company fouded
40
1960
Third International Congress of Plastic Arts in Vienna made an outline
proposal drawn op in five paragraphs offering a precise definition of an
original print.
1963
Bodoni. Museo Bodoniano opened in Parma, Italy. Repository of
Bodoni's 70,000 punches, moulds, matrices, proof sheets etc.
1964
Definition of originality given in December 1964 by the Comité National
de la Gravure, subsequently accepted by the Chambre Syndicale de
L'Estampe et du Dessin and then published in Nouvelles de L'Estampe
in February 1965.
1967
ISBN started in Britain
1969
Colour scanner Crosfield Electronics 'Magnascan'
1976
Ink-jet printing announced by IBM
1983
Pop-up. Viking Press 'The Human Body'
1991
The first issue of "Firsts: Collecting Modern First Editions,"
was published January 1991. According to the first
issue, its publishers felt there was no magazine aimed directly at
collectors of modern first editions. In January 1995, the focus of
"Firsts" was expanded and its title became "Firsts: The Book
Collector's Magazine."
1996
Biblio Magazine, first issue published
Collated from http://www.xs4all.nl/~knops/
41