Baskerville, John (1706-1775), was an English type founder and printer. His taste and care for quality in all departments of book production helped his nation achieve European leadership in that field. After making a fortune in the manufacture of japanned (lacquered) ware, Baskerville set out on an ambitious program of printing in 1750. He designed and made his own type. The first book from his press, an edition of Virgil in 1757, amazed readers by its elegance.