This book charts the history of some 450 businesses that operated in Melbourne between 1837 and the mid-1970s.

Although unabashedly Melbourne-centric, it also includes a concise history of printing from 1452; printing in Australia from 1788 and includes over 200 illustrations, photographs plus colourful anecdotes of the conditions, processes and personalities which have been the experience of Melbourne printers over the years.

Perhaps most importantly, Hauser's book also recognises two key points. Firstly, that the growth of the Melbourne community was vitally linked to the development of the graphic arts and printed communications and, secondly, that the characters within the industry have themselves been a colourful and inspiring part of that community.

The publishing of this book fills a real void in the historical records of the city of Melbourne in particular and Australia in general. It provides noteworthy documentation of some of the people who, quite literally, laid the foundations of our community and in many cases continue to facilitate its growth to this day.

It is a valuable step in preserving the history of the graphic arts in Australia and will most certainly be welcomed by both the craftsmen of the past and the graphic arts professionals of the future.

Printers of the Streets and Lanes of Melbourne may be purchased for $44 including postage and gst by e-mailing Don Hauser nondescript@eftel.net.au