Moxon's Mechanick exercises, volume 2 (of 2) : The doctrine of handy-works applied to the art of printing

This volume unfolds as a hands‑on handbook for the 17th‑century printer, laying out the step‑by‑step duties of a compositor. It treats the trade as a blend of modest schooling and practical ingenuity, insisting that mastery of ordinary English letters outweighs lofty classical learning. Readers are guided through everyday tasks such as preparing type, arranging cases, and handling the delicate art of papering the printing press.

The author’s voice is both instructional and conversational, noting how careless authors and foreign languages force printers to become informal copy editors. Detailed instructions describe cutting fresh wast‑paper, folding it precisely around each type box, and preventing wrinkles that could snag tiny letters. Throughout, the emphasis remains on following the copy faithfully while correcting obvious spelling errors in English texts.

Presented in its original typographic style, the text preserves the very faults and doublets of its time, offering an authentic glimpse into early modern printing. For anyone curious about the craft that built the world of books, the work reads like a living workshop, echoing the sounds of ink, metal type, and diligent hands.