Books
Early Chinese innovations in mechanized print technology resulted in a much more profound impact on European culture centuries later. The Chinese alphabet being comprised of visually specific characters made the use of movable type laboriously restrictive. The sequential, linear and standardized characters of the European alphabet was well-suited to movable type, which is credited with sweeping social changes largely responsible for modern western culture.
- Sell your antiques & collectables
- Experience the value of Performance Marketing
- All charges are based on delivery of service.
Looking for something specific? Click here to post an item wanted ad »
Click a subcategory below to view products.
Children's Books The majority of nursery rhymes were derived from historical events or circumstances being devised as a method of spreading scandal, the subject often being Royalty. While the gossip for which the verse was created is no longer politically relevant, the rhymes produced vintage child books that have become entrenched in western culture.
History & Reference Johannes Gutenberg's 15th Century invention of the printing press is widely accepted as the origin of mass communication, marking the first practical process of delivering information to a dispersed audience from a single source. Gutenberg's print innovations stimulated dramatic social reforms by facilitating the pursuit of intellectual freedoms.
Literature & Poetry In 1476 William Caxton set up England's first printing press, then printed and distributed various popular narratives, including Chaucer's The Canterbury Tales. Caxton's editing contributions helped standardize extreme regional variation in the English language, which is credited with solidifying England’s national stability.
Philosophy & Religion St. Cuthbert was buried in the year 687 near Lindesfarne. The monks of Lindisfarne became alarmed by the threat of Danish invasions in 875, and fled the island with the remains of Saint Cuthbert. In 1104,the carved wooden casket was moved to the new cathedral of Durham, where a suitable shrine had been prepared. The casket was opened and the Gospel of Saint. John, a manuscript written in uncial, was found perfectly preserved as where the remains of Cuthbert.
Science & Technology Books of ancient western civilization were rolled manuscripts generally crafted from papyrus strips sewn or glued together. Papyrus sheets were manufactured from slender lengths cut from the stalk of the papyrus plant, traditionally grown in Egypt, which were laid overlapping side by side in one direction and then in a similar fashion perpendicular to the first layer creating an exceptionally strong yet flexible surface.
Travel & Leisure In the year 295 BC, King Ptolemy I Soter enlisted the services of the Athenian orator, and former governor Demetrios Phalereus to collect all the books in the inhabited world for the Alexandria Library. In support of this undertaking, the king requested assistance from all known sovereign and political authorities, scouts were dispersed worldwide, and foreign vessels were routinely searched for literature that was confiscated to be returned as transcript copies. The library was gutted by fire in 47 AD destroying all but 40,000 of the 700,000 volumes collected.
