History of Chinese Printing (Illustrated Treasures Expanded Edition, Volumes 1 and 2)

Author: Zhang Xiumin, revised and supplemented by Han Qi
Publisher:
Publishing Date: 2006-10-01
Features: Printing is one of the important inventions of ancient China, and like papermaking, it has played a certain role and profound influence in promoting the development of world culture. Scholars both at home and abroad have conducted extensive research on the origin, evolution, and spread of printing. However, a comprehensive, detailed, and systematic history of the development of Chinese printing has never been available. The publication of Mr. Zhang Xiumin's new work, A History of Chinese Printing, not only enriches our knowledge in this specialized field but also fills this gap, adding an important chapter to the study and understanding of Chinese cultural and technological history. The book covers a wide range of topics, with profound depth and extensive content, spanning over 500,000 words. It includes the entire history of book carving and printing since the invention of printing over a thousand years, providing detailed discussions on the locations of book carving in different eras, the content of printed books, the characteristics of different editions, the lives and achievements of carvers and printers, as well as various printing methods. Additionally, it offers fresh materials and unique insights into various printed works beyond books, such as woodblock prints, New Year pictures, newspapers, and paper money, as well as the materials used in printing, such as paper, ink, and other writing tools. This is the most comprehensive and systematic synthesis available to date.