After Gutenberg's Bible had appeared in print in 1455, other early printers found different ways to solve problems set by the new technique. Survival of printer's copy or proofs permits rare views of compositors and printers manipulating a text before it emerged in its new form. Versions were corrected to be fit for purpose, and might be adapted for a much enlarged readership, especially if the language was vernacular. The printing press itself required careful measuring and fitting of texts. In twelve case-studies Lotte Hellinga explores what is revealed in printer's copy and proofs used in...
After Gutenberg's Bible had appeared in print in 1455, other early printers found different ways to solve problems set by the new technique. Survival ...