Print, Manuscript and the Search for Order, 1450–1830

This magisterial study re-examines fundamental aspects of what has been 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. But while printing seems to offer more textual and pictorial consistency than manuscripts, this was not always the case. McKitterick argues that book history and bibliography have been dominated by notions of the uses of the early printed book that did not come into existence until the late nineteenth century, and he invites his readers to work forward from the past, rather than backwards into it.

• Examines the emergence and importance of print in Europe from the 1450s to the nineteenth century • A wide-ranging study by one of the world’s leading book historians • A key text for graduate students and scholars of the history of the book

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 general reader will find David McKitterick\'s Print, Manuscript and the Search for Order richly rewarding, full of unexpected insights into the making and reading of books over almost 400 years. At the same time, it raises important theoretical questions for book historians, bibliographers and textual critics.\' Times Literary Supplement

\'Print, Manuscript and the Search for Order is an important book that repays careful study. It should be required reading for all graduate students, scholars and librarians interested in the book history of the period.\' The Library

\'This will take its place alongside other important modern studies of the nature and practice of book history … McKitterick brings to the task a mastery of the traditional techniques of historical bibliography. In so doing he has challenged many orthodoxies, and for that alone he would deserve our thanks and congratulations. But he has done far more: he has added a great deal to our understanding of the early history of the printed book and its contents, in a book which none of his successors will be able to ignore.\' Journal of the Printing Historical Society

\'Print, Manuscript and the Search for Order will take its place alongside other important modern studies of the nature and practice of book history … McKitterick brings to the task a mastery of the traditional techniques of historical bibliography. In so doing, he has challenged many orthodoxies, and for that alone he would deserve our thanks and congratulations. But he has done far more: he has added a great deal to our understanding of the early history of the printed book and its contents, in a book which none of his successors will be able to ignore.\' Journal of the Printing Historical Society

\'… this is a book of profound insights and deep learning, richly, indeed lavishly, illustrated to create a book that does justice to both author and publisher alike. It is a major contribution to our understanding of the rich, subtle interaction of books and their readers.\' English Historical Review

\' … a book … that no-one interested in the history of books and reading should ignore. … I found this book fascinating and entertaining by turns …\' Rare Books Newsletter