An illustrated history book about the American Printing House for the Blind (APH), the world's largest company devoted solely to researching, developing, and manufacturing products for people who are blind or visually impaired, is now on sale. History in the Making: The Story of the American Printing House for the Blind is the first book published solely on the history of this unique Louisville company, the oldest organization of its kind in the United States.
"This book explores how an organization with one printing press in borrowed space in a school basement grew to occupy most of a city block and became an icon for generations of students, teachers, and adult consumers," says Dr. Tuck Tinsley III, President of APH.
Written by former APH Museum director Carol Tobe, of Floyds Knobs, Indiana, the book was commissioned to celebrate the company's 150th anniversary. Packed with rare details about the origins of APH, this 180-page book features rich photography, tactile pages from vintage books embossed on original APH presses using original plates from as early as the 1880s, and an accessible MP3 audio book version read by APH narrator, Jack Fox. The
hardbound 12" x 12" book was designed by nationally known graphic artist Julius Friedman, and features color photography by Geoffrey Carr, both from Louisville.
Tobe places the birth, growth, and development of this unique Louisville manufacturer into the context of changing attitudes about people with disabilities. History in the Making is filled with stories of people who made a difference: the blind promoter from Mississippi, civic leaders who guided the fledgling organization, pioneer educators and students who
struggled to develop standardized methods of reading and writing, and managers and workers who invented innovative methods to make the written word available to those who could not see.
Published by Louisville's Butler Books, History in the Making retails for $39.95. It can be purchased at the American Printing House for the Blind, located at 1839 Frankfort Avenue, from the web site: www.aph.org or by calling customer service, 800-223-1839. It will also be available at Louisville bookstores and online at both www.butlerbooks.com and www.amazon.com.
For more information about the American Printing House for the Blind call (502) 895-2405 or visit www.aph.org.
