Before Class: Chapter Six & Seven

1. Sum up the reading in your own words in 1 paragraph.
Chapter 6: The German Illustrated Book
Incunabula means "cradle" or "baby linen" in Latin, which fits quite well because seventeenth century writers used the term as the name for books printed from Gutenberg's invention of typography until the end of the fifteenth century. Broadsides are a single leaf of paper printed on only one side that evolved into posters, newspapers, and advertisement. Martin Luther posted his Ninety-five Theses on the door of Castle Church on October 31, 1517. His use of broadsides lead to theological disputes with Pope Leo X. In 1498 Albrecht Durer published Latin and German editions of The Apocalypse; a 32 page, 16 by 12 inch pages. Typography and printing shops flourished during this time period enough to were there were too many of them for all of them to have business. Illiteracy declined, abundance of books, spreading of ideas, and a standardization of scientific measurements were among some of the changes due to the spread and use of typography.

Chapter 7: Renaissance Graphic Design
The rebirth of graphic design. During this time type design, page layout, ornaments, illustrations, and even a complete overhaul of books were rethought and redesigned by Italian scholars and printers. Geoffory Tory, the Renaissance man, was a very influential person during this time. He was a scholar, an author, a professor, a publisher, a designer, an illustrator, and a printer, just to name a few. The Renaissance started in Italy then spread to Germany because of Durer then to France, because of the war between France and Italy.

2. Name the one thing (or person) you found most interesting from the reading.
The disputing between Martin Luther and Pope Leo X showed how each man believed in his ideals and expressed his faith, which I think would have been interesting to see considering my beliefs on religion. (Ch. 6)
Geoffory Tory was an interesting man that had many abilities and had a huge impact on the world of graphic design, it would have been amazing to watch him in progress. (Ch. 7)

3. State at least one question you have after the reading. (if you state none here, you’d better have more detail done above to offset the work.)
How often did the woodblocks break down during this time period? (due to the many sheets that were being printed) Why was Geoffory Tory so good at what he did? Why were all of the Renaissance men so good at what they did?