The Invention of Printing. A Collection of Facts and Opinions, Descriptive of Early Prints and Playing Cards, the Block-Books of the Fifteenth Century, the Legend of Lourens Janszoon Coster, of Haarlem, and the Work of John Gutenberg and His Associates

by Theodore Low De Vinne

"The Invention of Printing" by Theodore Low De Vinne is a historical account written in the late 19th century. The book explores the origins and development of printing technology, focusing on key figures such as John Gutenberg and the controversies surrounding rival inventors in different regions, particularly Germany and the Netherlands. By detailing early prints, playing cards, block-books, and the mechanics of printing, it seeks to shed light on a significant moment in history that revolutionized the dissemination of knowledge. At the start of the book, De Vinne introduces the subject of printing as not only an essential mechanical art but also a topic shrouded in mystery and contention. He discusses the complexity surrounding the contrast between legends and actual historical records concerning early printing and the figures involved. The author acknowledges the vast number of existing books on the subject, yet critiques their often obscure language and tendency to overlook mechanical aspects of early printing. He emphasizes the need for a clearer, more concise description of early printing methods and the mechanics behind them, setting up the framework for a deeper exploration in the subsequent chapters.