BUSINESS

Which is the world's first printed book?

July 11, 2007 08:23 IST
Books and publishing
Books are your best friends. How many times have your parents told you when you were kids? Many, we bet and some of you have become book worms. Take the Rediff business quiz and find out how much you know about the publishing industry.

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1. In 1838, George Palmer Putnam and John Wiley formed the book publishing and retail firm of Wiley & Putnam in New York. Later it went on to become which famous publishing house?
a) Penguin
b) Viking
c) Puffin books

Wrong! Try again.
Wrong!
The correct answer is Penguin.
In 1936, Penguin Books Ltd was formed. Within its first year the company sold over 3 million books. 1941, Puffin Books, a children's imprint, was founded by Penguin. In 1967, the first Penguin hardback was published under the Allen Lane Press imprint. In 1970, when Allen Lane died, Penguin Books became a wholly owned subsidiary of Pearson Longman Ltd.
Correct!
In 1936, Penguin Books Ltd was formed. Within its first year the company sold over 3 million books. 1941, Puffin Books, a children's imprint, was founded by Penguin. In 1967, the first Penguin hardback was published under the Allen Lane Press imprint. In 1970, when Allen Lane died, Penguin Books became a wholly owned subsidiary of Pearson Longman Ltd.

2. Which was the world's oldest known printed book?
a) Gutenberg's Bible
b) The Recuyell of the Historyes of Troye
c) The Diamond Sutra

Wrong! Try again.
Wrong!
The correct answer is The Diamond Sutra.
The Diamond Sutra is the world's oldest known printed book. It was 'made' in AD 868. Seven strips of yellow-stained paper were printed from carved wooden blocks and pasted together to form a scroll over 5 m long. Though written in Chinese, the text is one of the most important sacred works of the Buddhist faith. The words 'Sutra' comes from Sanskrit, the ancient and sacred language of India. It means a religious teaching or sermon, and is most often used to describe the teachings of the Buddha.
In 1455, Gutenberg printed his first book, a Latin Bible. In 1475 Englishman William Caxton produced the first book printed in English, The Recuyell of the Historyes of Troye.
Correct!
The Diamond Sutra is the world's oldest known printed book. It was 'made' in AD 868. Seven strips of yellow-stained paper were printed from carved wooden blocks and pasted together to form a scroll over 5 m long. Though written in Chinese, the text is one of the most important sacred works of the Buddhist faith. The words 'Sutra' comes from Sanskrit, the ancient and sacred language of India. It means a religious teaching or sermon, and is most often used to describe the teachings of the Buddha.
In 1455, Gutenberg printed his first book, a Latin Bible. In 1475 Englishman William Caxton produced the first book printed in English, The Recuyell of the Historyes of Troye.

3. Which was America's first daily newspaper?
a) Chicago Tribune
b) New York Times
c) The Pennsylvania Evening Post

Wrong! Try again.
Wrong!
The correct answer is The Pennsylvania Evening Post.
In 1793, The Pennsylvania Evening Post became America's first daily newspaper. In 1851, selling for a penny a copy, the New York Times made its debut. Chicago Tribune was founded in 1847.
Correct!
In 1793, The Pennsylvania Evening Post became America's first daily newspaper. In 1851, selling for a penny a copy, the New York Times made its debut. Chicago Tribune was founded in 1847.

4. Which was the first movie magazine?
a) Photoplay
b) Esquire
c) Playboy

Wrong! Try again.
Wrong!
The correct answer is Photoplay.
In 1912, Photoplay debuted as the first magazine for movie fans in the US. In 1933, Esquire was launched as the first men's magazine. In 1953, Playboy magazine hit the newsstands and a nude Marilyn Monroe graced the cover.
Correct!
In 1912, Photoplay debuted as the first magazine for movie fans in the US. In 1933, Esquire was launched as the first men's magazine. In 1953, Playboy magazine hit the newsstands and a nude Marilyn Monroe graced the cover.

5. Which Harry Potter book was published in two different names?
a) Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets
b) Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone
c) Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire

Wrong! Try again..
Wrong!
The correct answer is Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone.
In Britain, the book is called Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone. But when the book was published in the United States, it was called Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone (although the book itself is the same). This is why the film on the book is also referred to by two different names.
Correct!
In Britain, the book is called Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone. But when the book was published in the United States, it was called Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone (although the book itself is the same). This is why the film on the book is also referred to by two different names.

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