The Pentateuch of printing
William Blades, a London printer and the leading authority of his time on William Caxton, wrote this short history of printing in five books named after those of Moses, with a final chapter on Judges. Genesis treats the invention of printing and its earliest products, Exodus its spread, Leviticus the craft of the typefounder, the compositor and the pressman, Numbers the early presses country by country from Holland and Germany to England and America, and Deuteronomy sums up the lessons. The book was published after Blades's death, in 1891, with a memoir of the author and a list of his works by Talbot Baines Reed. It is learned, witty and well illustrated. It is available to read online in your browser on Vinteuil, and the first chapter is free.
Start reading right away, without signing up. The complete text is included in Vinteuil Reading, or yours forever with a one-time purchase.
Frequently asked questions about The Pentateuch of printing
The Pentateuch of printing by William Blades can be read online on Vinteuil, directly in your browser. The first chapter is free for everyone; the complete book is included in Vinteuil Reading ($4.99/month or $39.99/year) or yours forever for $2.99.
Can I read The Pentateuch of printing online?
Yes. The Pentateuch of printing opens right on this page, in a reader designed for long reading: adjustable text size, light, sepia and dark themes, a clickable table of contents and your place saved when you are signed in. No download or app is needed.
Is The Pentateuch of printing free to read on Vinteuil?
The first chapter of The Pentateuch of printing is free, without an account. To read the whole book, either buy its online reading for $2.99 (£2.99 in the UK) and keep it forever, or subscribe to Vinteuil Reading for $4.99/month (£4.99/month in the UK) or $39.99/year, with 1 month free for new subscribers. The subscription opens every book in the library and can be cancelled at any time.
Is The Pentateuch of printing in the public domain?
Yes. The Pentateuch of printing by William Blades is a public-domain work. Vinteuil offers a carefully prepared digital edition made for comfortable reading on screen.
How long does it take to read The Pentateuch of printing?
About 1 h 51 min of reading, at an average reading pace. Your place is saved automatically when you are signed in, so you can read in several sittings and on several devices.
What kind of book is The Pentateuch of printing?
The Pentateuch of printing by William Blades is filed under "History" in the Vinteuil library.
