While the Industrial Revolution had transformed manufacturing across England by the early 1800s, book production remained largely unchanged since Johannes Gutenberg’s groundbreaking movable-type printing in the 1450s. The current exhibition at the Grolier Club from January 14 – April 11, 2026 explores the dramatic „second printing revolution“ of the 19th century: the shift from artisanal, hand-based craftsmanship to fully mechanized industrial processes in papermaking, printing, illustration, typesetting, and bookbinding. Shown are 150 rare books, prints, and artifacts spanning 1800 to 1904. Highlights include pioneering milestones such as:
The first book printed entirely by machine (rather than hand press)
The first illustrated book produced on a powered printing press
The first book featuring gold stamping applied directly to cloth bindings
A comprehensive catalogue, published by the Grolier Club accompanies the exhibition – and for those who cannot attempt the event here is the way to see much of it online.
Jeremy M. Norman. The second printing revolution – invention of mass media
ISBN: 978-1-60583-126-8 University Press of New England 2026