Dictionary of Typography and its Accessory Arts

First published in book form in 1875, this painstakingly compiled dictionary of printing terms covers the history and practice of typography. The degree to which technology has changed since its publication makes this snapshot of the British printing industry in the mid-to-late nineteenth century all the more fascinating.

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The son of a Liverpool-based printer, John Southward (1840–1902) was a prolific writer and editor of books on the subject. He edited the Printers' Register from 1886 to 1890, and his Modern Printing: A Handbook remained a standard work for apprentice printers and compositors well into the twentieth century. This dictionary of terms employed in printing offices was one of his earlier works, initially issued as a monthly serial within the Printers' Register. The resulting high demand led to the publication of a second edition in book format in 1875. Painstakingly compiled, it covers the history and practice of typography, and gives references to other works where further information can be found. Over a century later, the technology and terminology of typesetting and printing have undergone enormous changes, but this book remains a fascinating snapshot of the British printing industry in the mid-to-late nineteenth century.