Communication: The Printed Word

Creator: Richard J. Soltys

Complete Record: This film traces the history of a man’s effort to communicate with the use of the printed word starting whit the beginning of paper making in Egypt about 1000 BC. Major events both philosophical and technologically are interpreted in chronological sequence up to the present day. The sequences include the development of the Roman alphabet, Charlemagne’s preservation of early Greek and Roman history, Chinese printing, Italian paper making, Johann Guttenberg’s contribution to printing, the development of type styles, “paper back” editions of early Grecian writings, Shakespeare and the elevation of the English language to emminence, a court case interpreting freedom of the press, Benjamin Franklin’s publishing of “Poor Richard’s Almanac”, the accident discovery of lithography, the first paper making machine, the first power press, the discovery of the half-tone process, the invention of linotype and the monotype machines, the accidental discovery of offset printing and present day printing technology. The film sets into perspective the major advancement of the art of printing as it traces the history of printing.