History of Printing Techniques in China

This book presents a systematic discussion of the history of Chinese printing technology, encompassing the origins and evolution of writing, the invention and refinement of papermaking techniques, and the emergence and progression of various printing techniques. It meticulously examines related processes, including papermaking, woodblock printing, movable type printing, and mono-printing, alongside their respective impacts on printing itself. Furthermore, the book systematically explores the profound influence of Chinese printing technology on neighboring countries and its contribution to global culture since its inception. It serves not only as a history of printing but also as a concise narrative of the history of civilization. By delving into the history of printing, readers are afforded insights into the intricate interplay between printing technology and various societal aspects, including the economy, legal systems, art, culture, and education, as well as its essential role in facilitating social advancement.

Introduction.- The Historical Origin of Printing.- The invention and development of papermaking.- The Origin and Development of Block Printing.

PanJixing (1931—2020), who devoted his whole life to research, is a great master of science and technology history with outstanding achievements. As early as the 1970s, he was famous in the international academic circles for his research on the four great inventions of ancient China. He carried out multi-disciplinary research on the history of scientific exchanges between China and western countries earlier. He once served as a researcher of the Institute of Natural Science History of the Chinese Academy of Sciences, a communication academician of the International Academy of Science History, a member of the National Planning Group for the Arrangement and Publication of Ancient Books, a part-time professor of the University of Science and Technology of China, and won one China National Book Award One “Five One Project” award from the Propaganda Department of the CPC Central Committee, three first prizes of the National Excellent Science and Technology Book Award, one second prize of the first national ancient book sorting book award, and one second prize of the Chinese excellent social science book award.