The McClure Press

    Gutenberg's 15th century development of a practical method of printing books from movable type had an explosive impact on the spread of human knowledge. However, no one really knows exactly what Gutenberg's press looked like.

    In 1983, Lime Rock Press set about reconstructing a version that would not only be carefully researched but would actually print, and could be reproduced by craftsmen for use in museums and schools. Lewis McClure, a retired professional engineer who operated a nearby woodworking shop, was commissioned to reconstruct the Gutenberg press from scratch. The reconstruction, named by Lime Rock Press in honor of its builder, is now on display in the Scoville Memorial Library in Salisbury, Connecticut, where it is used for printing demonstrations.

The plans for the reconstruction were published by Lime Rock Press as its first "folio book" -- full sheet size in a format of 17 x 12½. Printed on acid-free laid paper made in West Germany and bound by hand, copies of The McClure Press have been purchased by collectors, woodworkers, and rare book libraries including the collections at Harvard and Oxford Universities

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