Just about every aspect of papermaking is covered in this book. Dard Hunter discusses the history of papermaking from its invention in China to its introductions in Europe and in America. He examines the development and uses of the different materials and tools of papermaking: the different types of hand molds, such as the "wove" mold and the "laid" mold of China; methods of maceration (beating the cloth); of dipping the molds or pouring the liquid pulp over the molds; and of pressing, drying, and sizing the paper. He also compares papermaking techniques, including old and new methods of making paper by hand and machine-made paper, and he discusses early and modern watermarking styles and processes.
Over 320 illustrations show actual pages from rare books and scrolls from every corner of the world, scenes of past and present-day papermaking, tools, materials, and watermarks. A two-page map traces the 1,000-year journey of papermaking from China to Europe, and a chronology of paper and paper-related developments spans over 4,500 years.
Dard Hunter (1883-1966) is still recognized as the world's foremost authority on paper and papermaking. This is the classic work on papermaking, used as a text and reference in classrooms, museums and libraries. Book lovers, papermakers, artists, etchers, engravers, printers, bookbinders, and workers in watermarking will find this volume both fascinating and informative.