First published in 1916 as part of the Cambridge Manuals of Science and Literature series, this is a fascinating short guide to the history of the printed book. Aldis traces the development of printing in Western Europe, from its origins in the hand-written manuscripts of fifteenth-century Germany, to the rapid growth of mechanised printing in the period following the Industrial Revolution. Offering fascinating insights into the methods and tools used in the early twentieth century, this book also contains practical information and advice on types of paper, typography, bookbinding and illustrations, as well as guidance on the preservation and care of books. Illustrated with handsome examples from a range of publications, this concise and accessible guide will captivate all those interested in the history of the book and the development of the modern printing process.