Aldo Manuzio was one of the greatest modern printers and publishers, as well as the inventor of italics and pocket format. Born in Bassiano, a historic village in the Lepini Mountains near the Pontine plain in 1450, he moved to Venice in 1490 where he founded his famous printing house, the Aldina.
Manutius was a pioneer in the production of low-cost, high-quality books, making reading accessible to a wider audience. Its paperback format, known as “book in eight”, became a standard for the publication of literary and scientific works. In addition, its italic character, known as “italic”, is still used in modern printing.
Manuzio’s legacy was fundamental to the development of the modern press and European culture. His printing works have produced works by great authors such as Aristotle, Homer, Dante and Petrarch, which have had a lasting impact on literature and philosophy. His innovation in book production has paved the way for the democratization of knowledge and the expansion of literacy.
THE INVENTION OF ITALICS
One of the major innovations introduced by Aldo Manuzio was the invention of italics. This writing character, leaner and lighter than the Gothic characters then in use; allowed to print longer texts in less space, making them more accessible and less expensive.
THE REVOLUTIONARY POCKET SIZE
In addition to the invention of italics, Aldo Manuzio has introduced another important change in the world of publishing: the pocket format. Thanks to this format, books could be produced in large quantities and at affordable prices, making them available to a wider audience.
Aldo Manuzio introduced the in-ottavo format as a revolutionary solution to the problem of the size and handling of books.
Previously, books were often large, with pages folded once to get the in-folio format. However, Manutius understood that there was a growing demand for books from a wider audience, beyond scholars and literati. The in-octave format meant that the whole sheet was folded three times, creating eight smaller sheets. This innovation has made books more manageable and transportable, allowing them to pass more easily from hand to hand and be accessible to a wider audience. In summary, Aldo Manuzio was a pioneer of modern publishing, which introduced important innovations that changed the way books were produced and disseminated. Thanks to his insights, culture has become more accessible and widespread throughout Europe.
the venice times AND THE STYLE OF MANUZIO
Today, in Venice, the Hotel The Venice Times has decided to bring Aldo Manuzio back to the style adopted in his hotel. This style is inspired by Venetian tradition and culture, but at the same time it is modern and innovative. Hotel The Venice Times has decided to pay tribute to this great master, bringing his style back to the tradition and culture of the City of Canals, while celebrating innovation, creativity and the beauty of culture.
THE REVOLUTIONARY POCKET SIZE
In addition to the invention of italics, Aldo Manuzio has introduced another important change in the world of publishing: the pocket format. Thanks to this format, books could be produced in large quantities and at affordable prices, making them available to a wider audience.
Aldo Manuzio introduced the in-ottavo format as a revolutionary solution to the problem of the size and handling of books.
Previously, books were often large, with pages folded once to get the in-folio format. However, Manutius understood that there was a growing demand for books from a wider audience, beyond scholars and literati. The in-octave format meant that the whole sheet was folded three times, creating eight smaller sheets. This innovation has made books more manageable and transportable, allowing them to pass more easily from hand to hand and be accessible to a wider audience. In summary, Aldo Manuzio was a pioneer of modern publishing, which introduced important innovations that changed the way books were produced and disseminated. Thanks to his insights, culture has become more accessible and widespread throughout Europe
L'hotel the venice times AND THE STYLE OF MANUZIO
Today, in Venice, the Hotel The Venice Times has decided to bring Aldo Manuzio back to the style adopted in his hotel. This style is inspired by Venetian tradition and culture, but at the same time it is modern and innovative. Hotel The Venice Times has decided to pay tribute to this great master, bringing his style back to the tradition and culture of the City of Canals, while celebrating innovation, creativity and the beauty of culture.