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National Library of Scotland

Printing and publishing

Explore the evolution of print and publishing in Scotland, from historic manuscripts to modern masterpieces, and uncover the stories behind the craft.

Lord Byron's 'impossible' manuscript: 'Don Juan'

Byron's wild fame worried his publisher. Curator Kirsty McHugh explores how their bond shaped 'Don Juan' and Byron's legacy.
Two individuals in historical attire stand near a body of water with a sailboat in the background. The setting includes steep cliffs and a cloudy sky, suggesting a mountainous landscape.

Scottish Broadsides: Three centuries of news and views

Before social media, broadsides—cheap printed sheets—were the main source of news, songs, and speeches for nearly 300 years.
Collage of historical broadsides featuring dramatic headlines such as "Horrid & Barbarous Murder," "Dreadful Accident at Edinburgh," and "Confessions, Lamentations, & Reflections."

'The Scotsman': From underground newspaper to Scottish institution

Once underground in 1817, The Scotsman grew into a national voice. Explore its origins and insights from its historic pages.
Front page 'The Scotsman' newspaper, subtitled 'Edinburgh Political and Literary Journal,' dated Saturday, January 25, 1817. The page is densely filled with text.

The John Murray Archive: Pioneering British publishing

The John Murray Archive reflects centuries of British literary influence, now preserved for global research and cultural insight.
A piece of old yellowed paper with the name "Mariana Starke" written on it in ink. There are ink stains covering other writing on the page.