History of Book Printing in Australia

While book printing in today’s world is a reliable and efficient process that can transform your ideas into a hard-copy reality in no time at all, this wasn’t always the case. The history of book printing in Australia is a colourful journey that goes back further than you may think. So, let’s dive in!

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Australia’s First Storytellers

The importance of storytelling in Australia stretches back far beyond the arrival of the country’s first printing press. First Nations people have been passing down stories to generations upon generations for as long as they’ve inhabited Australia, preserving cultural histories and traditional values with incredible accuracy. Oral storytelling has long been a means of recording history in First Nations communities, although communication through song, dance, art and craft have also been significant ways to pass on knowledge. 

Even today, surviving rock paintings by Australia’s Traditional Owners provide a way for us to understand and learn more about the country from the people who came before. While rock art might not necessarily be a printed book, it does provide valuable insights into history as it was recorded at the time, just as we write books to record our lives today.

When the Printing Press Arrived in Australia

With the arrival of the First Fleet on Australian shores also came the arrival of the country’s first printing press. Although, believe it or not, no one on board knew how to use it! This small hand press marked the first chapter of Australia’s printing history in 1788, but it wasn’t until around 1795 that convict George Hughes taught himself how to use it and began printing orders and regulations for Governor John Hunter, the second Governor of New South Wales. 

Fast-forward to 1802 and the first book printed in Australia was The New South Wales General Standing Orders, printed by George Howe in Sydney. Howe, along with Tasmanian book printer Andrew Bent, is considered one of the pioneers of Australia’s book printing industry. During colonial times, the printing industry was developed predominantly by the people who were experts in using the printers. These printer-publishers could be found across almost every state, printing materials on their press for a fee. However, the majority of books read by Australians at this point in time were still being imported from overseas’ printers.

It wasn’t until Australia’s population swelled in size after the gold rush and the growth of the country’s urban centres that book printing was both a feasible domestic industry and a vital one. It might be hard to imagine it now, but cities like Sydney and Melbourne rivalled some major European cities in size by 1890. This meant that there was not only a growing population but also a growing demand for books to be printed locally. For the first time, Australians were able to get their hands on literature that commented on the country they were living in. 

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How Modern Technology Transformed Book Printing

The introduction of the printing press may have marked the beginning of book printing in Australia, but it was the arrival of modern computers and the internet that has morphed it into the practice as we know it today. The end of the 20th century was a milestone in Australia’s printing history that saw new technologies lead to the possibility of digital printing, allowing for on-demand printing and vast options for customisation. What had once been done by hand with a printing press was now able to be completed with the ease and efficiency of a computer, and all at a smaller cost.

This new era of printing made it cheaper, easier and more environmentally friendly for businesses to create high-quality materials like brochures, catalogues, pamphlets and more. Another significant turning point for the printing industry at this time was the ability of modern computers to democratise book printing in a way that we hadn’t known before. Suddenly, book printing wasn’t only available to big publishers or self-published authors who could fork out the hefty price - the advance in technology provided an affordable means for anyone to print their books in this exciting new digital age.

Now, book printing in Australia is as diverse as ever. From the first printing press that arrived in the 18th century to our contemporary printers that create books in no time at all, it’s never been easier for books to be printed. Despite competition from e-books and digital materials, the printing industry in Australia remains a healthy ecosystem that is maintained by a desire to read good old fashioned books - and no doubt it will be for years to come.

To start printing a book of your own and contribute to Australia’s decorated history of printed books, you can learn more about the fast, easy and modern printing services we offer here.

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