Subjects / Letterpress printing

Best books to learn Letterpress printing, in order

Letterpress is a machinist's craft as much as a designer's, so a good order teaches the type and the case first — how metal and wood type is set and locked up — then the presses and how to achieve even, kissing impression, then the design and technique that make a card or poster sing. Chase deep impression before you understand makeready and you'll bruise the type. Type, then press, then design.

Build your own Letterpress printing list →Browse all paths

Reading paths for letterpress printing

Popular letterpress printing books

Related reading

Frequently asked questions

How should I approach learning letterpress printing?
Letterpress is a machinist's craft as much as a designer's, so a good order teaches the type and the case first — how metal and wood type is set and locked up — then the presses and how to achieve even, kissing impression, then the design and technique that make a card or poster sing. Chase deep impression before you understand makeready and you'll bruise the type. Type, then press, then design.
What's a good book to start letterpress printing with?
A strong starting point is The complete manual of typography by James Felici. The ordered reading paths above show exactly where it fits and what to read next.
What should I read after letterpress printing?
Once you have the fundamentals, explore closely related subjects like Needlepoint and canvas work, Papermaking by hand, Amigurumi and plush toys.

Related subjects