Abstract

The objective of this thesis project was to prepare a detailed yet reasonably compact history of the three early printing houses in Finland within a context of general Finnish and Scandinavian history. An extensive study of the literature was needed to accomplish the set goals. The literature included books on both early printing in Finland and on its general history. The necessary field studies consisted of visits to museums, university libraries, archives and churches. These offered the opportunity to study old manuscripts and the early printed products. Some experts were also interviewed. As a result of this research, a compact and well-illustrated history of the early printing houses and their printers was compiled, including discussions of the driving forces behind the printing houses and contemporary economic, religious and social influences. A selection of typical and interesting illustrations of the printed products is also included. The early printing houses in Finland between 1642 and 1713 produced a considerable number of books and other printed products under stormy conditions. The printers did skilled work, both in typographic and quality senses, despite scanty equipment and constant interruptions. It is impossible to compile a complete account of the printers, printing houses and books because of several destructive factors during the past three centuries. Fires, humidity and wars took their toll on many interesting examples of early Finnish printing. However, the archives and university libraries of Sweden offer another chance to study those examples of early Finnish and Swedish printing which have survived over the centuries in that country. These archives have been studied closely, but can still offer an indispensable opportunity to put together a more complete picture of the early Finnish printing.

Library of Congress Subject Headings

Printing--Finland--History--17th century; Printing--Finland--History--18th century

Publication Date

11-1-1996

Document Type

Thesis

Department, Program, or Center

School of Print Media (CIAS)

Advisor

Pankow, David

Comments

Note: imported from RIT’s Digital Media Library running on DSpace to RIT Scholar Works. Physical copy available through RIT's The Wallace Library at: Z167 .K644 1996

Campus

RIT – Main Campus

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