Dr Kenneth Lavender
History of the Book
January 3-7, 2005

Since an important aspect of this class is to see and discuss the materials themselves, we will be meeting for the most part in the Department of Special Collections in the main the University Library. This course will be conducted as a seminar, which mean that active participation will be expected.

Grading: Research report 40%; final exam 40%, participation 20%.

January 3 Introduction and assignment of research topics; early forms and materials of the “book,” including cuneiform tablets, papyrus, vellum/parchment, wax tablets, the manuscript tradition.

January 4 Early history of printing: block printing, incunabula; from the Middle Ages to the Renaissance and slightly beyond.

January 5 The Eighteenth Century: typography and publishing.

January 6 The Nineteenth Century: illustration, production, and the Private Press and fine printing.

January 7 Twentieth Century: Continuation and new directions; artists’ books; research reports and final exam

Updated: 12/7/04