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Story
September 13, 1894
The Advance
Jamesburg, Middlesex County, New Jersey
What is this article about?
Legend explaining the origin of the term 'printer's devil': Venetian printer Aldus Manutius employed a black boy left by a merchant vessel, who was rumored to be a black imp. Manutius publicly displayed the boy to dispel the rumor, leading to the term's adoption in printing offices.
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THE PRINTERS' DEVIL.
It is surely a matter of interest to know whence originated the title "printer's devil."
According to the legend, Aldus Manutius, a printer of Venice, took a little negro boy, left behind by a merchant vessel, to assist him in his work. It was soon rumored that Manutius was assisted by a little black imp, and to dispel the rumor, he showed the boy to the assembled crowd and said: "Be it known in Venice that I, Aldus Manutius, printer to the Holy Church and to the Doge, have this day made a public exposure of the printer's devil. All who think he is not flesh and blood may come and pinch him." It is not related whether the people took advantage of this invitation or not but from that day to this every respectable printing office has had its devil.
It is surely a matter of interest to know whence originated the title "printer's devil."
According to the legend, Aldus Manutius, a printer of Venice, took a little negro boy, left behind by a merchant vessel, to assist him in his work. It was soon rumored that Manutius was assisted by a little black imp, and to dispel the rumor, he showed the boy to the assembled crowd and said: "Be it known in Venice that I, Aldus Manutius, printer to the Holy Church and to the Doge, have this day made a public exposure of the printer's devil. All who think he is not flesh and blood may come and pinch him." It is not related whether the people took advantage of this invitation or not but from that day to this every respectable printing office has had its devil.
What sub-type of article is it?
Curiosity
Historical Event
What themes does it cover?
Deception
What keywords are associated?
Printer's Devil
Aldus Manutius
Venice Legend
Black Imp Rumor
Printing History
What entities or persons were involved?
Aldus Manutius
Little Negro Boy
Where did it happen?
Venice
Story Details
Key Persons
Aldus Manutius
Little Negro Boy
Location
Venice
Story Details
Aldus Manutius, a Venetian printer, employs a negro boy abandoned by a merchant vessel, who is rumored to be a black imp assisting in printing. To dispel the rumor, Manutius publicly exhibits the boy, declaring him the 'printer's devil' and inviting skeptics to pinch him, originating the term for printing apprentices.