The English provincial printers, stationers and bookbinders to 1557

"The English Provincial Printers, Stationers and Bookbinders to 1557" by E. Gordon Duff is a historical account written in the early 20th century. The work investigates the lesser-known history of provincial printing presses in England, focusing on their establishment and operations from the late 15th century to 1557. This book aims to shed light on the crucial role that provincial towns played in the evolution of the printing industry, which has often been overshadowed by the more prominent presses in London and the University towns. The opening of the book serves as an introduction to the subject, providing a preface that outlines the significance and novelty of researching the provincial printers. Duff notes the limited historical attention given to towns like Ipswich, Worcester, and Canterbury, despite their contributions during a tumultuous period in England. He emphasizes the need for further investigation into the careers and works of the printers, as well as the rediscovery of lost texts. The text discusses the historical context of printing in England, detailing earlier lectures given on printers in Westminster and London, and sets the stage for a detailed exploration of various provincial printing centers, beginning with Oxford.