A short summary of A Short History of the Printed Word

The introduction to Short History puts into perspective the significant processes that were developed in order to allow Gutenberg to create his printing press. The introduction makes the printing press invention and frames it as part of an interconnecting chain that stretches from China to Japan, to Korea, to the shores of Arabia, and finally to Europe.

What I really enjoyed about reading the introduction to this book is that it touches upon each one of these hubs and shows how each piece of technology was important to these hubs. Woodblock and moveable type had already been developed in China and Korea when it suddenly boomed in Europe with Gutenberg. Paper making was a process perfected in China and took a century before it reached the shores of Europe through the Moors in Spain. Paper would be the important ingredient for Gutenberg when his printing press would develop, vellum (parchment made from animal skin) being inadequate to hold the chemical reaction necessary to imprint ink.

Chappell and Bringhurst really bring to life this fascinating history; a history that belongs to all of humanity, it is our legacy. A quote that I really enjoyed pretty much sums up the intent of the book

I believe that for understanding of the printed medium, dates and personalities are less important than changing forms and textures. It is necessary to experience printing by touch as well as sight. For example, a simple tactile response is apparent when a curious layman runs a finger over a calling card or announcement to find out if the lettering is indented, flat or raised--which is to say, letterpress, offset (planographic) or intaglio (engraved). 

This is the focal point for the book and it is more interested in the shared cultural legacy of the printed medium. It is also very interested in specifically labeling the terminology of each kind of printed word, giving great care to the differences of each one making it an interesting read not only for the layperson, but anyone interested in typography and the aesthetic development of it.