When was printer Ivan Fedorov born? Ivan Fedorov. Historical portrait. In a kaleidoscope of eras and events. MUK "Public Library of the Novouralsk City District"

500 years since the birth of the Russian pioneer printer, educator Ivan Fedorov

It was once believed that the pioneer Russian printer Ivan Fedorov was a simple artisan, a semi-literate artisan. It has now been established that he was an encyclopedic educated person, a brave humanist educator, a talented teacher, as well as an artist and editor of the books he published.
The real date and place of birth of Ivan Fedorovich Moskvitin, who was destined to go down in history under the name Ivan Fedorov. Tradition claims that this happened somewhere in the Likhvensky district of the Kaluga province. Available documentary information that Ivan Fedorov studied at the University of Krakow and received a bachelor's degree in 1532. The only thing that is known for sure is that before he started typography, Ivan Fedorov was a deacon in the Church of St. Nicholas Gostunsky in the Moscow Kremlin.
In those years, the first printing house operated in Moscow, which published seven so-called anonymous publications. Scientists have no doubt that Ivan Fedorov worked there, gaining experience in book craftsmanship.
In 1560 - 1561, at the direction of Ivan IV, the construction of the first state printing house in Moscow began. The king even ordered a special building to be built for her. At the same time, work was underway to prepare a set of fonts and other equipment.

The printing of the first book began after the return of Ivan the Terrible from military campaign which ended with a victorious assault on Polotsk. The pioneer printers, supported by the tsar, successfully completed their difficult work and by March 1, 1564, published the first accurately dated Russian book, “The Apostle.” This superbly designed publication testifies to the high skill and impeccable taste of its “figures” - Ivan Fedorov and Peter Mstislavets. The handwritten text was previously carefully verified and edited. Outdated Old Church Slavonic words replaced by more understandable ones, which brought the language of Fedorov’s “Apostle” closer to the living Moscow language of the 16th century.
Following the “Apostle,” Fedorov undertook to publish the “Book of Hours,” which at that time was not only a liturgical book, but also a textbook from which they learned to read. It is curious that the printing house founded by Fedorov immediately became a kind of landmark of the capital; all foreigners who were in Moscow at that time wrote about it.
So far, the reasons why Fedorov left for Lithuania are not known for certain. Fedorov specifically stipulated that Ivan the Terrible did not oppress him in any way and he experienced persecution only from the highest clergy.

In Lithuania, Fedorov was kindly received by the Polish king Sigismund II Augustus and the hetman of the Principality of Lithuania Grigory Khodkevich. Khodkevich helped Fedorov organize a printing house in Zabludov and tried to give him land. But the Moscow printer refused patronage, declaring that it was not proper for him to bury the talent given by God in the ground, but should sow spiritual seeds throughout the world. The Teaching Gospel was published in Zabludov. This book was not liturgical and was intended for home reading. After this, Fedorov publishes the second book - “Psalter” with “Chesoslovets”.
The stay in Zabludov did not last long. Soon Fedorov moved to Lvov. Here for a long time no one showed interest in his craft. With great difficulty, he managed to raise the amount to set up a new printing house. In February 1574, the second edition of the Moscow “Apostle” was published, to which Fedorov added the “Tale about where the history of this printing house came from” composed by him. This was the first memoir work printed by typography. The same printing house published the famous “ABC” by Ivan Fedorov, which became the first printed Russian textbook.
In 1578, Fedorov moved again, this time to Ostrog, where he cut out a new font from metal based on his own drawings and used it to print the famous “Ostrog Bible.” This book became Fedorov's largest work. Fedorov and his assistants used not only Greek, but also Hebrew text Old Testament, as well as Czech and Polish translations. And the basis was the text of the Gennady Bible.
It is to this “Ostrog Bible” that the Slavic biblical text that exists in modern editions dates back. Only an extraordinary person was capable of such heroic work, and for the first time in the history of Russia. Ivan Fedorov was exactly like that. He was fluent in several languages ​​- Greek, Latin, Polish. He was well versed in the intricacies of Church Slavonic grammar.
Fedorov came from the traditions of Russian handwritten books, which were always richly decorated and elegant both inside and out. He not only cut out type, but was also an excellent engraver and produced double-page illustrations for his books. It is impossible not to pay attention to how carefully and with what artistic taste the headpieces for “The Apostle” and “Grammar” are made, how thoughtful, expressive and clear Fedorov’s sign is. Only a brave and experienced master could make them.
IN last years life in Lvov and Ostrog, Fedorov published several more publications: “ New Testament", "Chronology" by Andrei Rymsha, "A book, a collection of the most necessary things." But the main thing is that Fedorov published the first East Slavic Primer. The primer was so successful that for centuries it became the basis for this kind of textbooks not only here, but also in Wallachia and Bulgaria.
Fedorov founded Russian printing houses in Zabludov, Lvov, Ostrog, and published books from which Russians were supposed to learn to read and write. Of course, for Catholics and, quickly penetrating into these parts, Jesuits, he was a hated figure.
It seems that Fedorov was disliked by all feudal rulers. He did not want to be a servant or favorite for any of them. He fought for a widely enlightened Rus' and took a completely independent position, which at that time was understood and appreciated by few people. Only now has it become possible to realize the scale of activity and the courage of this man’s plans.
Fedorov was not only a printer, engraver and educator. He can also be considered a writer. After all, the prefaces and afterwords to his books speak of him as a man who confidently wields a pen.
In 1583, the printer took a trip to Vienna. Apparently, he wanted to get acquainted with European book printing and learn more about technical innovations in publishing. However, he was unable to use the information received. Returning to Lviv from trips to Vienna, Krakow and, perhaps, Dresden, he became seriously ill.
Fedorov died in December 1583. Friends placed a slab on his grave, in the center of which is the printing stamp of the first printer and under it are the words: “Drukhar of books never seen before.” Such was the great figure of Slavic culture, the man who stood at the origins of domestic book printing. According to the domestic bibliologist A. A. Sidorov, Ivan Fedorov “earned his fame, his outstanding place in the history of our culture, first of all, as a figure who was clearly aware of everything - technical, artistic, educational - the great possibilities and powers of printing.”

Literature

1. Istomin S.V. The most famous inventors of Russia/ S. V. Istomin. — M.: Veche, 496 p. - (Most famous).
2. Nemirovsky E. L. Ivan Fedorov (about 1510 - 1583)/E. L. Nemirovsky. - M.: Nauka, 1985. - 318 p. : ill.
3. Nemirovsky E. L. In the footsteps of the first printer/ E. L. Nemirovsky. — M.: Contemporary. 1983. - 215 p. : ill.
4. Osipov K. Russian pioneer Ivan Fedorov: manual for students / K. Osipov. — M.: Enlightenment. 1955. - 72 p. : ill.
5. Ryzhov K.V. One Hundred Great Russians/ K.V. Ryzhov. - M.: Veche, 2000. - 656 p. — (100 great).
6. Samin D.K. The most famous emigrants of Russia/ D.K. Samin. - M.: Veche, 2000. - 480 p. - (Most famous).

"The history of the mind represents two main epochs: the invention of letters and printing."

N.M. Karamzin

Of course, everyone in Russia knows the name of Ivan Fedorov. The beginning of Russian book printing is associated with this name.

He was born around 1520, although the exact date and place of his birth are unknown. But there is information that Fedorov studied at European universities. And in Europe, printing has been around for 100 years since it was invented by Gutenberg.

Do you know which book is considered the first Russian printed book?

This is “The Apostle” by Ivan Fedorov, published in 1564 in Moscow, under Ivan the Terrible.

The first printing house in Moscow was opened in 1563, and on April 19 of the same year, Ivan Fedorov and his assistant Pyotr Mstislavets began work on the “Apostle,” typing its first page.

The Moscow printing house was not private, but state enterprise, funds for the creation of the printing house were allocated from the royal treasury. The establishment of the printing house was entrusted to the deacon of the St. Nicholas Church in the Moscow Kremlin, Ivan Fedorov, because he was known as an experienced bookbinder, book copyist and carver-artist.

Later, it was decided to build a Printing Yard, in which Ivan Fedorov took an active part in the construction. After construction was completed, the organization of the printing house itself began.

Ivan Fedorov studied, made numerous tests and soon achieved success; he learned to cast high-quality type and make impressions on paper.

He was very educated, fluent in several languages: Greek, Latin, Polish. He was well versed in the intricacies of Church Slavonic grammar.

Undoubtedly, Fedorov was familiar with Western European printed books. When creating the shape of his printed letters, he relied on the traditions of Russian writing and Russian handwritten books.

In 1565, in Moscow, Ivan Fedorov and Pyotr Mstislavets published another book - “The Book of Hours”. Ivan Fedorov and his comrade in Moscow were very prominent and respected people. But the oprichnina introduced by Ivan the Terrible caused them great concern.

“For the sake of envy, many heresies were plotted against us,” Ivan Fedorov later wrote. Ivan Fedorov and Pyotr Mstislavets published two books in Moscow, but this is enough for Ivan Fedorov to forever remain the first printer of Rus'.

And then Ivan Fedorov and Mstislavets left for Lithuania. There they resumed work.

In 1569, the Teaching Gospel was published.

In 1574, Ivan Fedorov first published a book for Russian children - "ABC". The second edition of the ABC was published in 1576 in the city of Ostrog, where Fedorov was invited by Prince Konstantin Ostrozhsky.

But the real feat of Ivan Fedorov was the colossal work on the complete Slavic Bible. This gigantic work took up 1256 pages. To create the Slavic text of the Bible, Fedorov and his assistants used not only the Greek, but also the Hebrew text of the Old Testament, as well as Czech and Polish translations.

The Ostrog Bible, published in 1580-1581, was Fedorov’s last printed work. After the Bible, Fedorov released only “Chronology” by Andrei Rymsha.

It’s a pity, but Prince Konstantin Ostrozhsky soon lost interest in Fedorov’s publishing activities, and the pioneer printer again had to look for funds to continue his life’s work.

In the illustration: Frontispiece of Ivan Fedorov’s first book “Apostle”

D. There is no exact information about the date and place of his birth (as well as about his family in general). The genealogical interpretation of his typographical sign, identical with the coat of arms of the Belarusian noble family of Ragoza, gives reason to assume its connection with this family either by origin, or as a result of the addition to the coat of arms “Srenjava” - in another reading “Srenjava” - the so-called “act of adaptation” ; Several dozen Belarusian, Ukrainian and Polish surnames belonged to this coat of arms. According to one version, he was from Petkovichi, on the border of modern Minsk and Brest regions. According to another version, he traces his family tree back to the Novgorod masters of handwritten books.

Monument to Ivan Fedorov in Moscow

According to E. Nemirovsky, Ivan Fedorov studied at the University of Krakow in - gg. - in the latter’s “promotional book” there is an entry that in 1532 a certain “Johannes Theodori Moscus” was awarded a bachelor’s degree. From the 1530s, apparently, he belonged to the entourage of Metropolitan Macarius. Together with Macarius he came to Moscow, where he took the position of deacon in the Kremlin Church of St. Nicholas of Gostunsky.

Ivan Fedorov was diversified; along with publishing, he cast cannons and invented a multi-barreled mortar with parts that were interchangeable. For some time (during 1583) he worked in Krakow, Vienna and, possibly, Dresden. He had close connections with the enlightened people of Europe. In particular, correspondence between Ivan Fedorov and the Saxon Elector Augustus was found in the Dresden archive.

He was buried in Lvov in the St. Onuphrius Monastery. During the dismantling of the monastery wall, the remains of the pioneer printer and his son Ivan, who mysteriously died 3 years after the death of his father, were found.

Editions

1. Apostle. Moscow, printed from 17/IV 1563 to 1/III 1564, 6 unnumbered sheets + 262 numbered (hereinafter we mean numbering in Cyrillic letters), page format no less than 285 x 193 mm, printing in two colors, circulation about 1000, At least 47 copies survive.

2 and 3. Hourbook. Moscow, two editions (7/VIII - 29/IX and 2/IX - 29/X 1565), 173 (in the second edition 172) unnumbered sheets, format no less than 166 x 118 mm, printing in two colors, no less than 7 preserved copies.

4. The gospel is teaching. Zabludov, 8/VII 1568-17/III 1569, 8 unnumbered + 399 numbered sheets, format no less than 310 x 194 mm, two-color printing, no less than 31 copies preserved.

5. Psalter with a book of hours. Zabludov, 26/IX 1569-23/III 1570, 18 unnumbered sheets + 284 sheets of the first count + 75 sheets of the second count, format (based on a heavily cropped copy) no less than 168 x 130 mm, printed in two colors. A very rare edition: only three copies are known, all of them incomplete. For the first time in Kirillov printing, graphed tables were typed. Electronic version available.

6. Apostle. Lvov, 25/II 1573-15/II 1574, 15 unnumbered + 264 numbered sheets, format no less than 300 x 195 mm, two-color printing, circulation 1000-1200, at least 70 copies have survived. Reprint of the Moscow edition of 1564 with a slightly richer design. There is an electronic version of an almost complete copy.

7. Primer. Lvov, 1574, 40 unnumbered sheets, typeface 127.5 x 63 mm, two-color printing, circulation was supposedly 2000, but so far only one copy has been found (stored in the Harvard University Library).

8. Greek-Russian Church Slavonic reading book. Ostrog, 1578, 8 unnumbered sheets, typesetting strip 127.5 x 64 mm, printing in one color, for the first time by Ivan Fedorov typesetting in two columns (parallel Greek and Slavic text), also only one copy is known (kept in the State Library of Gotha , eastern Germany). This copy is bound together with a copy of the Primer of 1578 (see below), which is why they are often considered one book, referred to as Ostroh alphabet 1578 (see, for example, facsimile reprint: M.: Book, 1983). There is an electronic version of these two publications.

9. Primer. Ostrog, 1578, 48 unnumbered sheets, typeface 127.5 x 63 mm, printed in one color, the circulation was large, but only two incomplete copies have survived (one has already been mentioned, the second is kept in the Royal Library of Copenhagen). Repetition of the Lviv primer of 1574 with the added “Word on Letters” by Chernorizets Khrabra. There is an electronic version of this book and the previous one.

10. New Testament with the Psalter. Ostrog, 1580, 4 unnumbered + 480 numbered sheets, format no less than 152 x 87 mm, two-color printing, no information about the circulation, no less than 47 copies have survived.

11. Alphabetical subject Pointer to the previous edition (“A book, a collection of things…”). Ostrog, 1580, 1 unnumbered + 52 numbered sheets, typeface 122 x 55 mm, printed in one color, at least 13 copies survive (often filed at the end of the previous book, but clearly printed separately and issued as a special separate edition).

12. Chronology Andrei Rymsha (“Which is a short description of the old centuries”). Ostrog, 5/V 1581, two-page leaflet (the text is placed on the inner pages), typeface approximately 175 x 65 mm. The only known copy is kept in the State Public Library. Saltykov-Shchedrin, St. Petersburg.

Interesting facts about pioneer printers

The first book on Church Slavonic language released by Francis Skaryna in Vilnius in 1520. Fedorov’s assistant Pyotr Mstislavets also studied with Skaryna. Skaryna's books were also considered the first books printed in the territory that was part of the USSR.

see also

• Spherical panorama of the monument to Ivan Fedorov in Moscow

Notes

Literature

Wikimedia Foundation. 2010.

- (c. 1510 83) founder of book printing in Russia and Ukraine. In 1564 in Moscow, together with P. Mstislavets, he published the first Russian dated printed book, Apostle. Later he worked in Belarus and Ukraine. In 1574 he released the first... ... Big encyclopedic Dictionary

- (or Fedorovich), otherwise Ivan Drukar deacon, taken for the first printer in Russia; mind. December 5, 1583 Now there is almost no doubt that F. in the strict sense of the word cannot be called a Russian pioneer printer: not to mention the fact that there are clear ... ... Large biographical encyclopedia

IVAN FYODOROV- (c. 1510 1583), founder of book printing in Moscow and Ukraine. In 1566 he was forced to leave for Lithuania. Published in Moscow (jointly with Pyotr Mstislavets): “Apostle” (1564) first Russian. dated printed book, two editions... ... Literary encyclopedic dictionary

See Ivan Fedorov. * * * FEDOROV Ivan FEDOROV IVAN (real name Ivan Fedorovich Moskovitin) [ca. 1510 December 5 (15), 1583, Lvov], founder of book printing in Russia and Ukraine. He is also known as a cannon master (he invented a multi-barreled mortar).... ... encyclopedic Dictionary

Fedorov, Ivan- I. Fedorov. Monument in Moscow. Installed in 1990. Sculptor S.M. Volnukhin. Fedorov, Ivan FYODOROV Ivan (Ivan Fedorovich Moskvitin) (about 1510 83), founder of book printing in Russia and Ukraine. In 1564 in Moscow, together with P. Mstislavets, he published ... Illustrated Encyclopedic Dictionary

I Alexander Alexandrovich [b. 11.24 (12.7).1906, Tver, now Kalinin], Soviet botanist, corresponding member of the USSR Academy of Sciences (1964). Member of the CPSU since 1942. Brother of Andrei Aleksandrovich Fedorov (See Fedorov). Graduated from the Tver Pedagogical Institute... ... Great Soviet Encyclopedia

Fedorov Iv- FYODOROV Iv. (Iv. Fed. Moskvitin) (c. 1510 83) founder of book printing in Russia and Ukraine. According to some information, he studied in Krakow. University, where in 1532 he received a bachelor's degree. In the 1550s Most likely he worked as a typographer in Moscow (in the so-called... ... Russian humanitarian encyclopedic dictionary

1. FYODOROV Vasily Dmitrievich (1918 84), Russian poet. Poems (Sold Venus, 1958; Seventh Heaven, 1959 68; The Marriage of Don Juan, 1978); collections of civil and intimate lyrics (Third Roosters, 1966; Book of Love and Faith, 1974). Stories, cycle... ...Russian history

) - one of the first Russian book printers. By tradition, he is often called “the first Russian book printer.” Ivan Fedorov is the publisher of the first accurately dated printed book “Apostle” in the Russian Kingdom, as well as the founder of a printing house in the Russian Voivodeship of the Kingdom of Poland.

Moscow printing house

The first printed book in which the name of Ivan Fedorov (and Peter Mstislavets, who helped him) is indicated was “The Apostle”, work on which was carried out, as indicated in the afterword to it, from April 19, 1563 to March 1, 1564. This is the first accurately dated printed Russian book. This publication, both in textual and printing sense, is significantly superior to the previous anonymous ones. On next year Fedorov’s printing house published his second book, “The Book of Hours.”

After some time, attacks began on printers from professional scribes, whose traditions and income were threatened by the printing house. After an arson that destroyed their workshop (later researchers believe that another printing house was burned), Fedorov and Mstislavets left for the Grand Duchy of Lithuania.

Ivan Fedorov, in the afterword to the Lvov Apostle of 1574, writes that in Moscow he had to endure very strong and frequent bitterness towards himself, not from the tsar, but from state leaders, clergy and teachers, who envied him, hated him, accused Ivan of many heresies and wanted to destroy God's work (that is, printing). These people drove Ivan Fedorov out of his native Fatherland, and Ivan had to move to another country, which he had never been to. In Lithuania

In Lithuania, Fedorov was warmly received by Hetman Khodkevich, who founded a printing house on his estate Zabludov. The first book printed at the Zabludovskaya printing house by Ivan Fedorov and Pyotr Mstislavets was “The Teaching Gospel” () - a collection of conversations and teachings with interpretation of the Gospel texts. In 1570, Ivan Fedorov published the “Psalter with the Book of Hours,” which was also widely used for teaching literacy.

To continue his printing business, Ivan moved to Lvov, and here Ivan Fedorov decided to continue what he had started, but experienced considerable difficulties. To continue printing, they needed cash. For this purpose, Ivan turned for help to rich Russian and Greek merchants living in Lvov; but the merchants did not help Ivan. Help was provided by individual poor priests and city parishioners. Another difficulty was that the Lvov carpentry shop forbade having a carpenter in the printing house; a carpenter was there to do things in the printing house necessary work. The intervention of the city council and the feedback from Krakow printers helped in this matter.

In the printing house he founded, Ivan printed the second edition of “The Apostle” (). The Lvov edition of “The Apostle” also contains an afterword from Ivan Fedorov himself, where he talks about the persecutions (“Not from the Sovereign, but from many chiefs and priests, who plotted many heresies against us for the sake of envy”), which “... from the earth , fatherland and our family were expelled to hitherto unknown lands.” Entrepreneurial activity the first printer was not particularly successful: in Lvov he again faced competition from copyists who hindered the development of his business. Ivan was engaged in selling books not only in Lvov, but also in Krakow and Kolomyia. In Krakow, Ivan enjoyed the trust of the Polish doctor Martin Seneka, through whose mediation he received paper for the printing house on credit from the Krakow Lawrence factory. In 1579, Fedorov’s printing house, along with 140 books, was mortgaged to the Jew Israel Yakubovich for 411 Polish gold. Fedorov's son remained in Lvov and sold books.

Last years and death

Tombstone of Ivan Fedorov

Ivan Fedorov was diversified - along with publishing, he cast cannons and invented a multi-barreled mortar with interchangeable parts. Between February 26 and July 23, 1583, he traveled to Vienna, where he demonstrated his invention at the court of Emperor Rudolf II. For some time (during 1583) he worked in Krakow, Vienna and, possibly, Dresden. He had close connections with the enlightened people of Europe. In particular, correspondence between Ivan Fedorov and the Saxon Elector Augustus was found in the Dresden archive (the letter was written on July 23, 1583).

Upon returning from a difficult trip on December 5 (15), Ivan Fedorov died on the outskirts of Lvov. Buried in Lvov in

An important milestone in the development of writing and literature was the printing of books in Rus'. With the development of statehood, the issue of lack of books became acute. There were written samples, but their creation took a lot of time.

In Europe during this period (mid-16th century) printing presses already existed. understood the invaluable role of books in the process of state formation. He contributed to the founding of the first printing house in Moscow.

The most educated people of that time were recruited to work on the first printed edition. The young king's goal was to unite large quantity Orthodox peoples on one territory and into one state. There was a need for widespread church and secular education, therefore, the priesthood and educators needed a high-quality printed publication.

In contact with

The first Russian printed book - the history of creation

Preparations for printing the original source of knowledge took a total of a decade. The creation of the first copy of printed art was preceded by a long construction and arrangement of the printing house.

In 1563, the printer and inventor Ivan Fedorov and his faithful friend and student Pyotr Mstislavets began printing a unique book that had no analogues at that time, called “The Apostle.”

The printers spent 12 months working on the first edition. Printer Ivan Fedorov put into his brainchild all the knowledge and skills that he acquired throughout his life. The first non-manuscript copy turned out to be truly a masterpiece.

The weighty volume was framed in wood, which the creators covered with thin leather with amazing gold embossing. Large capital letters were decorated with unprecedented herbs and flowers.

The first edition was dated March 1, 1564. Later, this date began to be considered the year of the founding of Russian book printing. IN modern history Russian state Orthodox Book Day is celebrated on March 14th. "Apostle" survived until the 21st century unchanged, and is located in the Moscow historical museum.

The beginning of book printing in Russia

As soon as the first book of the Moscow printing house “Apostol” (“Acts and Epistles of the Apostles”) was published, the Old Russian pioneer printers began to create a new church publication called “Chasovnik”. This work of printed art took not a year, but only a few weeks.

In parallel with the creation of church books, work was underway on the first Russian textbook “ABC”. The children's book appeared in 1574.

Thus, in the 16th century, book printing was born and established in Rus', and the first non-manuscript church books appeared. Creating a children's textbook was very important stage in development Slavic writing and literature.

Who printed the first books in Russia

The founder of book printing in Rus' was the inventor Ivan Fedorov. The man, even by modern standards, was very educated and enthusiastic. The man was educated at a university in Krakow (now the territory modern Poland). In addition to his native language, he spoke two more languages ​​- Latin and Ancient Greek.

The man was well versed in carpentry, painting, and foundry crafts. He himself cut and smelted matrices for letters, and made bindings for his books. These skills helped him fully master the book printing process. Nowadays, mention of the first Russian book printing is often associated with the name of Ivan Fedorov.

The first printing house in Rus' - its creation and development

In 1553, the first printing house was founded in Moscow by order of Tsar Ivan the Terrible. The printing house, as the printing house was called in ancient times, was located next to the Kremlin, not far from the St. Nicholas Monastery, and was built with monetary donations from the ruler himself.

Church deacon Ivan Fedorov was placed at the head of the printing house. It took 10 years to equip the building of the ancient printing house and create printing equipment. The printing house was made of stone, and was popularly called the “printing hut.”

The first printed publication “Apostle” was created here, and later the first “ABC” and “Book of Hours” were printed. Already in the 17th century, more than 18 book titles were published.

Later, printer Ivan Fedorov and his assistant, due to the slander of ill-wishers, will be forced to flee Moscow, fleeing the wrath of the tsar. But the pioneer printers will be able to save the equipment and take it with them outside the Principality of Moscow. The first printing house on Nikolskaya Street will be burned by book fighters.

Soon Ivan Fedorov will open a new printing house in Lvov, where he will publish several more editions of the Apostle, in the introduction to which the printer will talk about the persecution of ill-wishers and envious people.

Ivan Fedorov's first printing press

The first equipment for book printing was extremely simple: a machine and several typesetting cash desks. The basis of the ancient printing press was a screw press. Ivan Fedorov’s machine has survived to this day.

You can see this value, touch history, and breathe in hoary antiquity at the Lviv Historical Museum. The weight of the machine is about 104 kg. The font was designed to resemble written letters. It was close to hand writing that was understandable to ordinary Russian people. The inclination to the right is maintained, the letters are even and of the same size. Margins and distances between lines are strictly observed. Title and capital letters were printed in red ink, and the main text in black.

The use of two-color printing is the invention of Ivan Fedorov himself. Before him, no one in the world had used multiple colors on one printed page. The quality of printing and materials is so impeccable that the first printed book, “The Apostle,” has survived to this day and is in the Moscow Historical Museum.

In the 16th century there were two significant events for the history of Moscow, and subsequently for the history of Rus' - the construction of St. John the Blessed Cathedral in the capital and the creation of a printing press by Ivan Fedorov.

The first textbooks in Rus'

The development of education was important for the formation of the Russian state. Books copied by hand differed big amount errors and distortions. Their authors were not always well educated themselves. Therefore, to teach children to read and write, well-readable, understandable, non-handwritten textbooks were needed.

The first book for teaching children to read and write was the printed volume “The Book of Hours” by Ivan Fedorov. For quite a long time, children learned to read from this book. Two copies of this publication have survived to this day. One volume is in Belgium, the other is in the Leningrad Library. Later, “ABC” will be published in Moscow, which became the first textbook for children. Today, this rare copy of ancient printing is located in the United States.

Tsar Ivan the Terrible, despite all the ambiguous attitudes towards him, understood that it was impossible to build a strong, developed state without smart, educated people. It is necessary to keep up with the times and keep up with advanced countries. The source of true truthful knowledge at all times has been and will be the book. Only reading, literate, educated people will be able to build an advanced power and introduce technologies in accordance with the requirements of the time.

The founder of book printing in Rus', Ivan Fedorov, was a genius of his time, who was able to move Russia from the point of ignorance and feeblemindedness, and direct it along the path of enlightenment and development. Despite the disgrace and persecution that befell him, Ivan Fedorov did not abandon his life’s work and continued to work in a foreign land. Its first printed editions became the basis of writing and literature of the 16th and 17th centuries.