Ratdolt, Erhard

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Erhard Ratdolt (ĕr´härt rä´tôlt), 1442–1528, printer in Venice from 1476 to 1486 and in Augsburg from 1487 to 1522. A sheet showing specimens of his sizes and designs of type, dated 1486, is the earliest known specimen sheet. Ratdolt's ornamental initials and borders, replacing the work of the illuminator, are still admired. His printing influenced that of William Morris.