Firmin Didot

From Freepedia

Firmin Didot (1764-1836) was a French printer, engraver, and type founder. He invented the word "stereotype" and used the process extensively, revolutionizing the book trade by his cheap editions. His manufactory was a place of pilgrimage for the printers of the world.

Firmin Didot was a member of a family of printers who were in a family founded by François Didot (1689-1757), the father of 11 children. Firmin was one of his grandchildren. The family's paper manufactory was located at Essonnes, a town 19 miles (30-31km) southeast of Paris near Corbeil, which had notable paper factories.

France is indebted to the Didot family for the publication of the Biographie Nationale, and Belgium is also indebted for the establishment of her Royal Press. Relatives of Firmin Didot include François Ambroise Didot (1730-1804); Pierre François Didot (1732-95); Henri Didot (1765-1862); and Pierre Didot (1760-1853).

Essai sur la Typographie by a member of the Didot family was published at Paris in 1852.