On November 19, the Clark Library welcomed Dr. William Zachs for a fascinating exploration of early printing innovation. In his lecture, “Scotland’s Gutenberg: William Ged and the Invention of Stereotype Printing, 1725–49,” Dr. Zachs explained the origins of stereotype printing—an approach that used cast metal plates instead of traditional moveable type and would later revolutionize nineteenth-century book and newspaper production.
Dr. Zachs guided attendees through the sparse early history of this technique before focusing on the remarkable work of William Ged (c. 1683–1749), the Edinburgh goldsmith whose experimental “non-moveable type” productions predate the widespread adoption of stereotyping by nearly a century. Through a forensic analysis of Ged’s known output, particularly his rare pocket editions of Sallust from 1739 and 1744, Dr. Zachs proposed the existence of a previously unrecognized group of stereotyped books. His research invites a significant rethinking of how books may have been produced in eighteenth-century Britain and highlights the innovations of a figure long overshadowed in printing history.
Dr. William Zachs surprised all attendees with an exquisite keepsake reproduction of a unique copy of Ged’s Proposals (RB.m.20). The lecture was followed by a catered reception commemorating the 20th Kenneth Karmiole Lecture at the Clark.
The Clark Library was delighted to host Dr. Zachs for this engaging and thought-provoking examination of Scotland’s contributions to early printing technology.
Dr. William Zachs kindly allowed his lecture to be posted on the Center’s YouTube channel, and it is now available for viewing.