We may earn an affiliate commission when you visit our partners.
Elizabethanne Boran,
Jane Suzanne Carroll,
Mark Sweetnam,
and
Joseph Clarke
Most FutureLearn courses run multiple times. Every run of a course has a set start date but you can join it and work through it after it starts. Find out more This course is for anyone interested in bookselling, book history and book design. This may include collectors, dealers, artists, or anyone with a passion for reading and learning. This course uses a large number of images and image databases for learners to explore. We have included text descriptions for these images to make the course as accessible as possible. You can use the hashtag #FLhistoryofthebook to talk about this course on social media.
Read more
Most FutureLearn courses run multiple times. Every run of a course has a set start date but you can join it and work through it after it starts. Find out more This course is for anyone interested in bookselling, book history and book design. This may include collectors, dealers, artists, or anyone with a passion for reading and learning. This course uses a large number of images and image databases for learners to explore. We have included text descriptions for these images to make the course as accessible as possible. You can use the hashtag #FLhistoryofthebook to talk about this course on social media.
Read more
Most FutureLearn courses run multiple times. Every run of a course has a set start date but you can join it and work through it after it starts. Find out more This course is for anyone interested in bookselling, book history and book design. This may include collectors, dealers, artists, or anyone with a passion for reading and learning. This course uses a large number of images and image databases for learners to explore. We have included text descriptions for these images to make the course as accessible as possible. You can use the hashtag #FLhistoryofthebook to talk about this course on social media.
Topics Covered
- Week 1: How books were made in Western Europe (1450-1800) (designing types, illustrating, sewing, binding, and finishing books).
- Week 2: How books were sold in Western Europe (1450-1800) (bestsellers, collectors, advertising and book auctions).
- Week 3: How books were read in Western Europe (1450-1800) (books and readers, families libraries, and annotating books).
- Week 4: How books changed the world (1450-1800) (reforming religion, transforming medicine and science, and remaking the state).
Register for this course and see more details by visiting:
OpenCourser.com/course/tbon18/the
Save this course
Create your own learning path.
Save this course to your list so you can find it easily later.
Save
Save
Reviews summary
Fascinating journey through book history
According to students, this course offers a fascinating and comprehensive journey through the history of the book from 1450 to 1800. Learners consistently praise the rich, detailed content and the engaging lectures delivered by a passionate and knowledgeable instructor . The inclusion of abundant high-quality visual resources , including rare images and databases, is frequently highlighted as a significant strength, truly bringing the subject to life. While some found the academic depth significant, making it potentially dense for casual learners , it is widely considered excellently structured and a must for bibliophiles and history enthusiasts . Recent updates suggest ongoing improvement and relevance .
Offers significant academic detail, potentially intense for some.
"I found some of the academic language a bit dense at times, but overall it was very informative and thorough."
"While the information is thorough, I felt it leaned heavily on academic theory, which might be a lot for general learners."
"The content is interesting, but I found the pace a bit slow; it felt more like a series of academic lectures than an interactive online course."
Recent updates enhance the course content and resources.
"The updated materials and additional resources made this course even better than I expected."
"I noticed the forum was active, and the instructors were responsive to questions, indicating good maintenance."
"It's clear the course continues to be maintained and improved, keeping the content fresh and relevant for learners."
Course content is organized logically, making learning flow.
"This was a solid introduction to the topic; I felt the instructor clearly organized the material well."
"The course felt very comprehensive, and Week 1 on bookmaking was particularly strong and well-explained."
"I appreciated how every week offered new insights, building progressively from designing types to family libraries."
High-quality images and databases greatly enhance the learning.
"The images provided really brought the history to life for me, making it easy to visualize the concepts."
"The resources provided, especially the image databases, are invaluable; I constantly found myself exploring them."
"I found the quality of the video lectures excellent, and they really delivered on the promise of rich visual examples."
Perfectly suited for those passionate about book history.
"As a book collector, this course was a dream come true for me. I gained so much insight into the early modern book trade."
"This course exceeded my expectations. It's a must for bibliophiles, really deepening my appreciation."
"It was a great course for me to expand my historical knowledge of books and their impact on society."
Lectures are captivating and delivered by a highly passionate expert.
"Absolutely fascinating! The lectures were so engaging, and the images provided really brought the history to life. Highly recommend for anyone interested in book history."
"The instructor is brilliant. Their passion for the subject is infectious, and they make complex topics accessible to me."
"I found every week offered new insights, from designing types to family libraries. The historical details were captivating."
Activities
Coming soon
We're preparing activities for
The History of the Book in the Early Modern Period: 1450 to 1800.
These are activities you can do either before, during, or after a course.
Career center
Learners who complete The History of the Book in the Early Modern Period: 1450 to 1800 will develop knowledge and skills
that may be useful to these careers:
For more career information including salaries, visit:
OpenCourser.com/course/tbon18/the
Reading list
We haven't picked any books for this reading list yet.
Save
A comprehensive guide to bookmaking that covers everything from paper selection to binding
Save
A collection of essays on the history and materiality of the book
Save
A look at the future of the book in the digital age
A German-language handbook on typography
Save
This comprehensive guide to digital printing covers everything from the basics of digital printing technology to advanced topics such as color management and variable data printing. It is an essential resource for anyone who wants to learn more about this rapidly growing field.
This practical guide to screen printing covers everything from the basics of the process to advanced topics such as multi-color printing and special effects. It is an invaluable resource for anyone who wants to learn more about this versatile printing technology.
This comprehensive guide to inkjet printing covers everything from the basics of the process to advanced topics such as nozzle design and ink formulations. It is an essential resource for anyone who wants to learn more about this rapidly growing printing technology.
Save
This practical guide to flexography printing covers everything from the basics of the process to advanced topics such as platemaking and ink formulations. It is an essential resource for anyone who wants to learn more about this versatile printing technology.
This practical guide to screen printing covers everything from the basics of the process to advanced topics such as multi-color printing and special effects. It is an invaluable resource for anyone who wants to learn more about this versatile printing technology.
Is considered a foundational text for anyone serious about typography, which is intrinsically linked to printing. It provides a comprehensive guide covering the history, theory, and practice of typography. While not solely about the printing process itself, a deep understanding of type is crucial for quality print work. It's a valuable reference tool and often recommended for students and professionals in graphic design and printing.
Save
Offers an accessible introduction to typography, explaining how to use type effectively in design. It covers the history of typography and provides practical advice relevant to both print and digital media. It is widely used as a textbook in design programs and is an excellent resource for gaining a solid understanding of typographic principles essential for good printing outcomes.
This comprehensive guide covers the entire process of print production, from initial design to finishing and binding. It's a practical resource for understanding the technical aspects of getting a design ready for print and the various printing methods. is highly relevant for students and professionals who need to understand the practicalities of print production.
A seminal work in the history of the book, Eisenstein's book explores the profound impact of the printing press on European society and culture. It's a foundational text for understanding the historical significance of printing beyond just the technical aspects. is essential for graduate-level students and researchers interested in the broader implications of printing.
Focuses specifically on digital printing, covering techniques and applications for photography and fine art. It's a valuable resource for those interested in contemporary printing methods and workflows. While slightly older, the principles and techniques discussed remain relevant for understanding digital print processes. It's suitable for students and professionals working with digital output.
A practical handbook covering various aspects of print production, including prepress, printing processes, papers, and finishing. It serves as a useful reference for navigating the technical details of getting a project printed. is valuable for graphic designers, production managers, and anyone needing a solid understanding of print workflows.
Provides a foundation in graphic design, with a significant portion dedicated to principles relevant to print, such as layout, typography, and color. While not solely about printing technology, a strong understanding of graphic design principles is crucial for creating effective printed materials. It's often used as a textbook for introductory graphic design courses.
Save
Offers a broad overview of various printmaking techniques, including traditional methods like intaglio, woodcut, and screenprinting, as well as newer innovations. , It's a good resource for understanding the artistic side of printing and different manual processes. It's suitable for students and artists interested in printmaking as a creative medium.
Save
This guide provides detailed information on printmaking materials and processes, offering step-by-step instructions and illustrations. , It's a practical resource for those learning or practicing various printmaking techniques. It's particularly useful for hands-on learners and those looking to deepen their understanding of specific print methods.
A comprehensive guide to book design that covers everything from concept to production
For more information about how these books relate to this course, visit:
OpenCourser.com/course/tbon18/the
Share
Similar courses
Similar courses are unavailable at this time. Please try again later.
Time
12 hours
Via
FutureLearn
Institution
Trinity College Dublin
Instructors
Elizabethanne Boran
Jane Suzanne Carroll
Mark Sweetnam
Joseph Clarke
Our mission
OpenCourser helps millions of learners each year. People visit us to learn workspace skills, ace their exams, and nurture their curiosity.
Our extensive catalog contains over 50,000 courses and twice as many books. Browse by search, by topic, or even by career interests. We'll match you to the right resources quickly.
Find this site helpful? Tell a friend about us.
Affiliate disclosure
We're supported by our community of learners. When you purchase or subscribe to courses and programs or purchase books, we may earn a commission from our partners.
Your purchases help us maintain our catalog and keep our servers humming without ads.
Thank you for supporting OpenCourser.
© 2016 - 2025 OpenCourser