A groundbreaking exhibition at the National Museum of World Writing Systems in Songdo, Incheon, is showcasing the remarkable legacy of Aldus Manutius (1449-1515), the Renaissance publisher who fundamentally transformed how books were created and consumed. The exhibition, titled "Aldo Manuzio: The Publisher Who Changed the World," runs from Monday through January 25 and features 53 rare works and artifacts that illuminate Manutius's revolutionary contributions to modern publishing.
Manutius emerged as a pioneering figure approximately 50 years after Johannes Gutenberg invented the movable-type printing press in the 15th century. According to Lee Jungyeon, curator of the museum, Manutius made books significantly more accessible to the general public by reducing their physical size and dramatically improving their readability. His innovations fundamentally transformed the publishing industry from an elite craft into a medium for mass knowledge distribution.
The Venice-based publisher introduced several groundbreaking innovations that remain standard in modern publishing today. His contributions include the development of italic typeface, the introduction of the semicolon and apostrophe as punctuation marks, and the creation of the octavo format. These innovations not only made books portable for the first time but also established the foundation for contemporary printing practices. Manutius founded the renowned Aldine Press in Venice, where he published both classical works and contemporary writings with exceptional craftsmanship and attention to detail.
The Manutius publishing legacy extended well beyond his own lifetime through his family's continued involvement in the industry. His son and grandson maintained the family tradition by operating the press under papal commission in both Rome and the Vatican. This multi-generational commitment ensured that the innovations and quality standards established by Aldus Manutius continued to influence European publishing for decades.
The current exhibition presents an impressive collection of historically significant items that demonstrate Manutius's widespread influence across Europe. Visitors can view the world's first printed italic type, early examples of books featuring page numbers, and even counterfeit editions that serve as testimony to his popularity and influence throughout the continent. Among the exhibition's highlights are some of the Renaissance period's most beautiful publications, including rare editions of "Geography" and a meticulously revised edition of Dante's "Divine Comedy."
This comprehensive exhibition has been developed through collaborative efforts with two of Italy's most prestigious institutions: the Biblioteca Nazionale Centrale di Roma and the Biblioteca Nazionale Marciana in Venice. The partnership has enabled the museum to present authentic artifacts and rare manuscripts that would otherwise be inaccessible to Korean audiences. The collaboration underscores the international significance of Manutius's contributions to global literary culture.
In addition to the historical focus, the exhibition includes a contemporary perspective through a special section curated by 23 Korean publishers. This modern component explores how today's publishing industry continues to evolve and adapt to changing technological and social conditions. "We wanted to connect the story that began 500 years ago with the present," Lee explained during a press conference on Friday. "The democratization of books that started in Aldus Manutius's time continues to this day, and we wanted to ask whether it still holds meaning in our digital era."
Rather than providing definitive answers about the future of books and reading, the exhibition encourages visitors to engage in their own exploration and reflection. The museum has designed the experience to allow visitors to trace the historical development and influence of print media, while also providing hands-on opportunities to experience modern alternatives such as e-books and audiobooks. Through this comparative journey, the exhibition hopes visitors will develop their own informed perspectives on what the future of reading might entail.
To complement the main exhibition, a special educational event will precede the official opening. On Sunday at 2 p.m. in the museum's auditorium, a lecture titled "Books Across Time: Stories from Italy's National Libraries" will feature the directors of both the Biblioteca Nazionale Centrale di Roma and the Biblioteca Nazionale Marciana in Venice. These distinguished speakers will discuss Italy's rich publishing heritage and examine the enduring legacy of Aldus Manutius in contemporary literary culture.
