Introducing Paige M. Gutenborg

Recently, the Harvard Book Store unveiled a machine that has been many years in the making… Paige M. Gutenborg!

paige_m_gutenborg_introduction_about_poster

For those of you unfamiliar with this, Paige M. Gutenborg is a book-making machine. Although I wasn’t present at the unveiling, I made sure to pack my camera when I stopped by a few days later. Here are some details from the webpage:

  • Prints books from a growing catalog of 3.6 million books, including titles from Google digital files and public domain databases—along with previously inaccessible works.
  • Creates a library-quality, perfect bound, acid-free 300-page paperback book in roughly four minutes. These books are indistinguishable from paperbacks produced by major publishing houses.
  • Represents a revolution in the book world, allowing readers to get their books in a manner that is fast, local, green, and affordable.
  • Can print your book and we can deliver it locally—same- or next day! We also deliver domestically and internationally.
  • Provides authors with affordable, flexible printing options. There are no minimums, and you retain full rights and complete control of your work.
  • Looks forward to printing your novel, personal cookbook, family genealogy, memoir, dissertation, personalized gift, and more.

Here are just a few more gratuitous pictures and examples.

paige_m_gutenborg_front_paper_output

paige_m_gutenborg_paper_output

Basically, Paige runs on a hugeeeeeee printer.And there’s clear casing around the portion that actually holds the printouts and binds the book so you can watch!

paige_m_gutenborg_placards

paige_m_gutenborg_printer

paige_m_gutenborg_back_make_paper

Some printed books! Notice the chadding on the edges from the cutter… but overall it’s pretty professional. A little ruddy/used-book looking but pretty good for 4 minutes.

paige_m_gutenborg_the_seduction_of_the_spirit_harvey_cox

paige_m_gutenborg_back_cover_edge

Paige_M_Gutenborg_book_inside_example

And that’s all folks!

2 thoughts on “Introducing Paige M. Gutenborg”

  1. I still find this a little questionable in concept and utility, especially the “green” claim (why print more books when there are unsold remnants already being pulped by the hundreds or thousands?), but the sheer mechanics/logistics of the thing are undeniably impressive. I didn’t know that it even did full-color covers!

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *