author

Thomas MacKellar

1812–1899

A leading figure in 19th-century American printing, this poet-printer helped shape the craft through practical writing and long experience in the type foundry. His best-known book, The American Printer, opened the world of typography to generations of readers.

1 Audiobook

The American Printer: A Manual of Typography Containing practical directions for managing all departments of a printing office, as well as complete instructions for apprentices; with several useful tables, numerous schemes for imposing forms in every variety, hints to authors, etc.

The American Printer: A Manual of Typography Containing practical directions for managing all departments of a printing office, as well as complete instructions for apprentices; with several useful tables, numerous schemes for imposing forms in every variety, hints to authors, etc.

by Thomas MacKellar

About the author

Born in New York on August 12, 1812, Thomas MacKellar entered the printing trade while still young, apprenticing with Harper Brothers. In 1833 he moved to Philadelphia and joined the type-founding firm of Johnson & Smith as a proofreader, later rising to foreman and then partner.

MacKellar became closely associated with the firm later known as MacKellar, Smiths & Jordan, one of the best-known American type foundries of its time. Alongside his business career, he wrote widely, and his The American Printer became an important practical guide to typography and print-shop work.

He also published poetry and hymns, showing a literary side that matched his technical knowledge. MacKellar died in 1899, remembered as both a skilled craftsman and a writer who helped preserve the language, tools, and culture of 19th-century printing.