The Gutenberg Press

In this revealing documentary, Stephen Fry investigates the story of one of the most important machines ever invented - the Gutenberg Press.

The printing press was the world's first mass-production machine. Its invention in the 1450s changed the world as dramatically as splitting the atom or sending men into space, sparking a cultural revolution that shaped the modern age. It is the machine that made us who we are today.

Stephen's investigation combines historical detective work and a hands-on challenge. He travels to France and Germany on the trail of Johannes Gutenberg, the inventor of the printing press and early media entrepreneur. Along the way he discovers the lengths Gutenberg went to keep his project secret, explores the role of avaricious investors and unscrupulous competitors, and discovers why printing mattered so much in medieval Europe.

But to really understand the man and his machine, Stephen gets his hands dirty - assembling a team of craftsmen and helping them build a working replica of Gutenberg's original press. He learns how to make paper the 15th-century way and works as an apprentice in a metal foundry in preparation for the experiment to put the replica press through its paces. Can Stephen's modern-day team match the achievement of Gutenberg's medieval craftsmen?

UNFORTUNATELY - In 2012 I discovered that this entire documentary has been removed from Youtube - probably for Copyright Infringement.

A very great pity - it was a wonderful documentary!!!



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Philadephia Rare Books & Manuscripts

I have heard and seen various mentions of the Philadelphia Rare Books and Manuscript Company. But I have never seen their website - until today. WOW. They have tons of old and rare books.


Samuel Johnson's Dictionary Published in 1773.










Introduction to the Dictionary as written by Samuel Johnson in 1773





Samuel Johnson's Dictionary - Published in 1786 - 8th edition










Robinson Crusoe by Daniel Defoe - Published 1790










Not forgetting Leigh Hunt...
An author requested by Helene Hanff from 84 Charing Cross Road.
published 1801









Aristophanes Published in 1783

Vaulted Treasures of the University of Virginia

I found a whole website with LOTS and LOTS of pictures of old and rare MEDICAL books and title pages.
Vaulted Treasures.

Here are some of my favourites.


Galen, …De naturalibus facultatibus libri tres. 1537

Galen Page








Galen, In aphorismos Hippocratis commentarii septem… 1554











Liber canonis medicine. [Venetiis: In edibus Luce Antonii Junta, 1527.]

Avicenna Page








Hippocratis coi medicorum omnium longe principis, opera quae apud nos extant omnia. Lugduni: Apud Ant. Vincentium, 1555.

Hippocrates page