Subject

Printing -- United States -- Handbooks, manuals, etc. Books

Best books

Thomas MacKellar

The American Printer: A Manual of Typography
 Containing practical directions for managing all departments of a printing office, as well as complete instructions for apprentices; with several useful tables, numerous schemes for imposing forms in every variety, hints to authors, etc.

"The American Printer: A Manual of Typography" by Thomas MacKellar is a manual focused on the art and craft of typography, likely written in the late 19th century. This comprehensive guide serves not only as a resource for printers and publishing professionals but also provides historical context for the development of printing techniques and technologies. It encompasses practical directions for managing various departments of a printing office, along with useful instructions for apprentices. The opening of the manual establishes its purpose and utilizes a preface to set the tone for the comprehensive coverage of the printing profession. It outlines the book's intent to provide practical information based on personal experience and industry best practices while referencing a variety of typographical works. The text begins with a historical overview of the discovery of printing, mentioning notable figures such as Laurentius Koster and Johannes Gutenberg, and it lays the groundwork for understanding the evolution of printing methods. This context aims to equip readers with essential knowledge regarding the art of typography and the operations of printing offices, making the manual valuable for authors, publishers, and aspiring printers.

John Sawtelle Ford

Paper and Printing Recipes
 A Handy Volume of Practical Recipes, Concerning the Every-Day Business of Stationers, Printers, Binders, and the Kindred Trades

"Paper and Printing Recipes" by John Sawtelle Ford is a practical reference guide written in the late 19th century. This volume is rich with nearly two hundred recipes and techniques specifically designed for the everyday operations of stationers, printers, binders, and related trades. The book serves as a comprehensive resource, offering practical solutions and methods for various tasks encountered in these professions. The opening of the book presents an overview of its purpose and introduces a selection of practical recipes that readers can expect to find within its pages. It includes helpful recipes for creating and removing different types of inks, caring for books, making glues and pastes, and various treatments for paper. Each recipe is aimed at enhancing the quality of work in the printing and bookbinding industries, providing easy-to-follow instructions that would benefit both professionals and enthusiasts alike.

Recently surfaced classics