being a chronological digest of the most interesting facts illustrative of the history of literature and printing from the earliest period to the present time Interspersed with biographical sketches of eminent booksellers printers type-founders engravers bookbinders and paper makers of all ages and countries but especially of Great Britain With bibliographical and descriptive accounts of their principal productions Including curious particulars of the first introduction of printing into various countries and of the books then printed A history of all the newspapers periodicals and almanacks published in this country Compiled and condensed from Nichols's Literary anecdotes and numerous other authorities