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History of the Book: The Common Press

From medieval manuscripts to books created using the hand press method, this introductory research guide unlocks the world of bibliography

Imposition

 

IMPOSITION

Correct imposition minimizes printing time by maximizing the number of pages per impression, reducing cost of press time and materials. To achieve this, the printed sheet must be filled as fully as possible.

Signatures

SIGNATURES

A signature is a group of pages that are printed on both sides of a single sheet of paper that once folded, trimmed, bound and cut, become a specific number of pages depending on the page size and the size of the press sheet.

The Principal Parts of the Common Press

Letterpress Demonstration