A History of Chinese Printing (Volume 1 and 2): Illustrated Treasures Expanded Edition (Illustrated Treasures Expanded Edition)

Author: Zhang Xiumin
Publisher:
Publication Date: 2006-10-01
Features: Preface by Dr. Qian Cunxun Preface by Mr. Li Ximi Preface by the Author Revised Edition Preface Explanatory Notes Chapter 1 The Invention and Development of Woodblock Printing Chapter 2 The Invention and Development of Movable Type Printing Chapter 3 The Lives and Deeds of Copyists, Carvers, and Printers Through the Ages Chapter 4 The Influence of Chinese Printing on Countries in Asia and on Africa and Europe Appendix Postscript Revised Edition Postscript Printing is one of the important inventions of ancient China, alongside papermaking, and has played a certain role and profound influence in promoting the development of world culture. Regarding the origin, evolution, and spread of printing, scholars both at home and abroad have conducted extensive research. 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 and fills this gap but also adds an important chapter to the study and understanding of Chinese cultural and technological history. The book covers a wide range of topics and is both extensive and profound, with over 500,000 words, encompassing the entire history of book carving and printing over more than a thousand years since the invention of printing. It provides detailed discussions on the locations of book carving in different eras, the content of printed books, the characteristics of different editions, the lives and deeds of carvers and printers, as well as various methods of carving and printing. 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 various materials used in printing, such as paper, ink, and other writing tools. This is the most comprehensive and systematic synthesis available to date.