Everything Everywhere Daily · Sunday, August 9, 2026
The history of catalog shopping, a precursor to modern e-commerce, traces back to Renaissance printers like Aldus Manutius in 1498. Early catalogs faced challenges with currency standardization and payment, leading to innovations like bills of exchange facilitated by banking networks such as the Medici family and Jacob Fugger.
“In 1498, just decades after the Gutenberg press changed the world, Aldus Manutius published his Libri Graeci Impressi in Venice to sell his edition of Greek classics across Europe.”
“In an age before standardized currencies, Manutius faced significant challenges in conducting his catalog business.”
“Through major banking networks, such as those offered by the Medici family or Jacob Fugger, which I've covered in previous episodes, buyers didn't need physical cash.”