The Problematic Printer in the 16th Century
Laura Schröder
Abstract
With the invention of printing in the 15th century, a new figure appeared in the history of the book: the printer. But not all the printers were the same. Instead of fulfilling the task as a reproducer and publisher of a manuscript, some printers incurred the displeasure of authors and other printers with inaccuracy, counterfeiting and piracy; they threatened the truth and the reputation of others. The dissatisfaction with these printers and warnings to readers are expressed in the 16th century by Martin Luther and Aldus Manutius in different documents. The perception of the problematic printer by this renowned author and printer and their reactions are in the focus of this study.
The Problematic Printer in the 16th Century
Laura Schröder
Abstract
With the invention of printing in the 15th century, a new figure appeared in the history of the book: the printer. But not all the printers were the same. Instead of fulfilling the task as a reproducer and publisher of a manuscript, some printers incurred the displeasure of authors and other printers with inaccuracy, counterfeiting and piracy; they threatened the truth and the reputation of others. The dissatisfaction with these printers and warnings to readers are expressed in the 16th century by Martin Luther and Aldus Manutius in different documents. The perception of the problematic printer by this renowned author and printer and their reactions are in the focus of this study.
