The Ascensius Press

The high point of our work is expressed in the letterpress volumes we design and publish under our own imprint, as well as the handcrafted editions we design and produce for a select group of like-minded writers and artists. We follow the traditions and practices of fine bookmaking, using the highest quality inks, handmade papers, and binding materials. 

Jodocus Badius Ascensius (1462-1535), also known as Josse Bade, was a scholar and printer who played a central role in the flourishing of humanism and print culture in the French Renaissance. In a career spanning four decades, he was involved with the print publication of something approaching one thousand editions. He was known for the “familiar” commentaries he wrote and published as introductions to the major authors of Latin (and less frequently, Greek) antiquity, as well as on texts by medieval and contemporary authors. His commentaries and prefaces document the early stages of French humanism, and his texts played a major role in forming the minds of future generations.