Question

why did the printed books initially resemble when manuscript in appearance and layout

Answer 1

Printed books at first, closely resembled the written manuscripts, in appearance and layout. (ii) The metal letters imitated the ornamental handwritten styles. (iii) Borders were illuminated by hand with patterns, and illustrations were painted. 

Answer 2

Originally printed books looked like published manuscripts. The explanation was that metal letters that were used in presses essentially replicated style and design in printing presses. Further the layout also looked similar, as illustration were painted

Explanation:

• The printed books in the beginning closely resembled the written manuscripts in appearance as well as layout.
• The metal letters infact initiated the ornamental handwritten styles.
• Borders were illuminated by hand with foliage and patterns and illustrations painted.
• In the books that were printed for the wealthy, space for decoration was kept blank on the printed page for the buyer to select the design and the painting school which would do the illustration