From hand to print

We use the term “book” to describe objects which carry information. Books take many different forms and continue to evolve.

Over four thousand years ago clay was used to record words and numbers. Scribes and printers later used papyrus, animal skins and paper.

The first moveable metal type printing press was developed in Germany by Johann Gutenberg in the 1450s. William Caxton set up the first press in England twenty years later.
Books can be objects of great beauty. There are many exquisite typefaces and book bindings can also be works of art.