jan 1, 1501 - Beginning of the Popularization of Smaller Formats

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In Venice, Aldus Manutius began printing works in the smaller octavo format rather than the larger folio and quarto formats. This enabled readers to hold copies comfortably in their hands rather than having to prop books up on a lectern. It also facilitated easier travel and storage of books, contributing to the significant revolution in book accessibility in Europe that began with Gutenberg's printing press. It would be remiss to ignore the similarities between the octavo format and the wax tablet.

Galbraith, S. K. (2020). A Brief History of the Book: From Tablet to Tablet (pp. 83). Bloomsbury Publishing.

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