The Origin of Printing: in Two Essays: I. The Substance of Dr. Middleton's Dissertation on the Origin of Printing in England. II. Mr. Meerman's Account of the First Invention of the Art. An Appendix is annexed, 1. On the fisrt-printed Greek Books. 2. On the first-printed Hebrew Books, with Observations on some modern Editions; and a Collation, from Walton's Polyglott, of a remarkable Passage, as printed in Kings and Chronicles. 3. On the early Polyglotts

Middleton, Conyers, Gerard Meerman | edited with an appendix by William Bowyer and John Nichols

Published by W. Bowyer and J. Nichols, London, 1774

About this Item

Octavo. xvi, 144, [2 (adverts)] pp. First edition. In 19th century half speckled calf with corners and marbled papers over boards. Joints are moderately rubbed but sound; light shelfwear; a very few instances of early ink corrections or brief annotations in addition to Bowyer's name being added in ink to the title page in an early hand; additionally, a 20th word in green ink on p. 1; one leaf (M4) has been excised, likely at the time of printing as the text is complete and the pagination is correct, matching catalogued and digitized copies. In content, this work comprises an abridged reprinting of Conyer Middleton's Dissertation (1734-5) correctly arguing that contrary to popular opinion William Caxton was the first printer in England. The second essay is an English translation of Gerard Meerman's Origines Typographicase in which the Dutch collector argues that the first printing was done by Laurentius in Harleim, improved upon by Gutenberg and then Schoeffer in Mainz. Both essays are accompanied by intelligent commentary by the printers in addition to appendices on early Greek, Hebrew, and polyglot books. Bigmore and Wyman state, "The book, although it has been robbed of it authority by modern researches, at the time of its publication brought in great praise to its compilers, the 'learned printers' of the age" (p. 75). An important book delving into the history of printing in Europe that was reprinted several times in the 18th century. This copy of the first edition is from the library of American collector Albert A. Howard with his small monograph plate on the rear pastedown. Bigmore and Wyman p. 74-5; ESTC N10660; Oxford Dictionary of National Biography.

Seller Inventory # 7047

Bibliographic Details

• Title: The Origin of Printing: in Two Essays: I. The Substance of Dr. Middleton's Dissertation on the Origin of Printing in England. II. Mr. Meerman's Account of the First Invention of the Art. An Appendix is annexed, 1. On the fisrt-printed Greek Books. 2. On the first-printed Hebrew Books, with Observations on some modern Editions; and a Collation, from Walton's Polyglott, of a remarkable Passage, as printed in Kings and Chronicles. 3. On the early Polyglotts
• Publisher: W. Bowyer and J. Nichols, London
• Publication Date: 1774
• Binding: Half Leather
• Edition: 1st Edition
• Condition: Very Good binding
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