Architectonics of lithuanian book in 1904-1918

Book typography of the beginning of the XX century is very important as a significant cultural heritage. The aim of this work is to analyse XX century beginning book as an art piece. The main tasks were to find books decorated by professional Lithuanian artists; to find out what kind of decorative elements were illustrating book and the relationship between decorated book amount and political-economical situation in country. There is very little research done about book architectonics during 1904-1918. By making an investigation about book art and design of the printings, released in the beginning of the XX century, mostly all books were viewed de visu. Main source of the listing was in 1904-1918 Years Published Books List, taken from Bibliographic and book research centre. Book typography investigations were made on the grounds of famous book art researcher’s articles and publications. Research began in the year 1904, after the cancellation of the law that prohibited the press with Lithuanian letters. Years until First World War were very productive for newly established publishing offices. They got a lot of new printing machines, skilled workers started to work there. Zincographies and more type-foundry started appeared in Lithuania cities. Those factors influenced better book typography. 1914-1918 period was distinguished for very few originally illustrated books. By making a research about book architectonics, the printings released during 1904-1918 period, were divided into two parts. In the first part of the work, decorative elements and illustrations created by book authors and famous Lithuanian artists is analysed. Typical books, decorated with standard press cliché of publisher are studied in the second part. Discovered facts helped to detect books, illustrated by professional Lithuanian artists in 1904-1918. Books usually decorated in art noveau manner, illustrations were closely related to the text