The Colonial Printer

By Lawrence C. Wroth

This definitive study of the American printer and his craft explores every aspect of the printing trade from 1639, when the first press was established in the colonies, to the end of the colonial period, around 1800. All the tools, materials, and conditions involved in America's early printing trade are covered, including presses, types, ink, paper, bookbinding, shop procedures, working conditions, labor issues, remuneration and more. Wroth also deals with both the content and look of the finished books, pamphlets and papers published by the colonial presses. Throughout, finely reproduced illustrations show presses and pressmen, typefaces and type foundries, printed pages, a paper mill, decorated bindings and more. For anyone interested in how printing began in America.

368 pages. 5-1/2 x 8-1/2. Illustrated with B&W photos and line drawings. Soft cover. $9.95. (1995) ISBN 0486282945