General Printing: An Illustrated Guide to Letterpress Printing

by Glen U. Cleeton, Charles W. Pitkin, Raymond L. Cornwell

General Printing is a comprehensive guide to letterpress printing. With 300 photos and 140 illustrations, it offers detailed step-by-step visual instruction. Key topics include: handsetting type, taking proofs, mitering rules, locking up a form, adding packing and make-ready, feeding a platen press, advanced composition, design, typography, and tricks of the trade. "The best all-around introductory book for traditional letterpress printing, this manual is profusely illustrated with detailed and useful photographs and should occupy a prominent place on the shelf of every letterpress printer. It will serve as the next best thing to an apprenticeship at the feet of a master printer, and is certain to be used as a handy reference throughout your printing journey." --David S. Rose, Introduction to Letterpress Printing

Paperback

First published September 1, 2006

Reviews

[Kalle · Rating 4 out of 5]

A trusted reference work on the period specific (1940's) printing trade and industry. A practical trade school text book covering metods to learn and information on the allied trades as well as some general printing history. Focus is on letterpress with good examples and illustrations.

[Brian Greiner · Rating 5 out of 5]

Despite being a college textbook for graphics arts students, this is an amazing and fascinating book for anyone interested in the printing industry.
As others have pointed out, it generally describes the industry as it existed in the 1950's or so. On the other hand the general principles of how to create a layout, how to choose different fonts for different purposes, how to understand the overall flow of the industrial printing process, the different types of printing, and so forth are all still relevant.
It focuses on letterpress printing, of course, and contains a lot of fascinating pieces of information of how to make it all work properly.
Well worth reading for anyone who loves books, as well as students of the graphics arts.

[Barb · Rating 4 out of 5]

The book covers all kinds of topics related to press work, from setting and caring for type to binding books. It has clear pictures of all sorts of equipment used in print shops, as well as information about maintenance and use. This is an invaluable reference for letterpress hobbyists and small press operators.

[Lisa · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is one of the best letterpress books out there - and it just became available in print again! The book is filled with clear instructions and photographs, including both platen and cylinder presses.

[Ben · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of the most in-depth books around on letterpress, which lays out the process from beginning to end. A great manual for any student, and a must-have resource for any serious 'platen press' printer.