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

Author: Zhang Xiumin
Publisher:
Publish 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 had a profound impact on 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 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 and is both extensive and profound, spanning over 500,000 words, encompassing the entire history of book carving and printing for over 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 items 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 stationery tools. This is the most complete and systematic comprehensive work available to date.