Printing, 1770-1970

A comprehensive survey of printing in the first machine age. The rapid growth and development of printing resulted from the same factors which caused changes in society at large - expansion of trade, improved communications and pressure for the propagation of ideas. The changes are reflected most in ephemeral categories of printing and it is these areas that Twyman mostly illustrates, with over 900 examples reproduced. The first narrative section covers the printing of both words and pictures, describing the many new techniques developed in this period and the changing approaches to design. The book's second section presents a wealth of illustrated material in five sections - ceremony, rural life, transport, wars and exhibitions. In addition to providing reproductions of printed artefacts - from luxurious colour prints to humble train timetables - this section also provides a historical record of the period.