Print, Manuscript and the Search for Order, 14501830 [Paperback]

This magisterial study re-examines the relationship between manuscript and print in the early modern period.This book re-examines fundamental aspects of what has been widely termed the printing revolution of the early modern period. David McKitterick argues that many of the changes associated with printing were only gradually absorbed over almost 400 years, a much longer period than usually suggested. From the 1450s onwards, the printed word and image became familiar in most of Europe. For authors, makers of books, and readers, manuscript and print were henceforth to be understood as complements to each other, rather than alternatives.This book re-examines fundamental aspects of what has been widely termed the printing revolution of the early modern period. David McKitterick argues that many of the changes associated with printing were only gradually absorbed over almost 400 years, a much longer period than usually suggested. From the 1450s onwards, the printed word and image became familiar in most of Europe. For authors, makers of books, and readers, manuscript and print were henceforth to be understood as complements to each other, rather than alternatives.This major study re-examines fundamental aspects of what has been widely labeled the printing revolution of the early modern period. David McKitterick argues that many of the changes associated with printing were only gradually absorbed over almost 400 years, a much longer period than usually suggested. He re-evaluates the modern myths and misconceptions surrounding the emergence of print and invites readers to work forward from the past, rather than backwards into it.1. The printed work and the modern bibliographer; 2. Dependent skills; 3. Pictures in motley; 4. A house of errors; 5. Perfect and imperfect; 6. The art of printing; 7. Reevaluation: towards the modern book; 8. Machinery and manufactures; 9. Instabilities: the inherent and the deliberate; Index. The chapters are full of fascinating detail about thlƒ~