The Art and Craft of Printing

In this thoughtful exploration of early twentieth‑century printing, the author recounts the motivations behind establishing a small, artisanal press dedicated to producing books that are both beautiful to behold and easy to read. Drawing inspiration from medieval calligraphy and the pure typographic elegance of fifteenth‑century volumes, he sets out a clear philosophy: let the page speak through modest, harmonious design rather than flashy ornamentation. The opening pages offer a candid glimpse into the ideals that shaped the press’s identity and its early catalogue.

Beyond ideology, the work delves into the concrete choices that define fine printing. It explains why hand‑made linen paper, carefully sized and subtly textured, is preferred to cheaper alternatives, and describes the meticulous process of studying historic Roman and Gothic typefaces before crafting new, balanced fonts. Listeners will come away with a vivid sense of the craft’s tactile pleasures and the disciplined eye required to marry form and function on every page.