Chapter Five: Printing Comes to Europe

In chapter five, typography was a new printing method which made advancement in civilization. Multiple prints could be made, literacy increased, and knowledge was being spread much more rapidly. According to Megg's History of Graphic Design, Typography is the term for printing with independent, movable, and reusable bits of metal or wood with raised letterforms. Before typography was even invented, it took about four or five months for a single book to be created. It was also costly and timely. There was a high demand for books since more universities were being built. Block printing was a new way to make prints. Some of these prints were hand-colored and stencils were used; prints could not be carried out on both sides of paper. Religious scripts and playing cards were created. Playing cards actually helped increase literacy among the people. They underwent logical deduction, symbols recognition, and sequencing. Learning with the cards was more important than having fun. Block books were made as blocks had images and text together. Death was occurring at this time as there was a bubonic plague spreading. 1/4 of Europe’s population was killed. The Ars Moriendi (the art of dying) was a book that prepared people for the final hour. This book was comprised of thirteen block print texts. The Biblia Paperum (book of the poor) was a book explaining the prophecies of the Old Testament and Christ’s life. Movable type was soon in demand because books were in demand. Guttenberg was an important person who developed the skills to create movable type. The Forty-Two-Line Bible was the first book he printed. When it came to typography, a letter style had to be chosen; the prints tried to best resemble great calligraphy. Guttenberg invented the type mold, which allowed 50,000 pieces of type to be used at once. A specific metal had to be used so that it would not condense or expand while being heated. Guttenberg ended up inventing new devices that helped improve movable type. With the medieval block printer, thin watery ink was used, which worked well with wood because of it being absorbable. A man by the last name of Fust sued Guttenberg for money he owed; Fust partnered with Peter Schoeffer to keep the printing going. They both published the first book with a watermark; then they published the first book with small text (Rationale Divinorum Officorium). De officiis was the first book printed which became a classic. Typographic printing became a catalyst for the modern world. Greece and Rome became interested in it. Copperplate engraving was a next creation where a smooth metal plate had a drawing scratched onto it. These were made into cards depicting birds, animals, and wild men. This type of engraving was done by the Master of the Playing Cards, who was highly artistic. It is thought that he may have already mastered copperplate engraving and was not searching for a new type of graphic technique. It is possible that Guttenberg was involved with copperplate engraving.

I found this entire chapter to be interesting. I especially enjoyed learning about Guttenberg and his ambition to create movable type. He seemed very creative and intelligent, along with the Master of the Playing Cards—who was also interesting because of his artistic ability. I thought it was incredibly depressing when Guttenberg was sued and had to hand over his print shop to other people. That kind of irritated me. I could just imagine how he felt.

Did the block book or typographic book come first?
What exactly were the watermarks used for at this time?
Was Guttenberg involved with copperplate engraving?