Imprentit: 500 Years of the Scottish Printed Word will be held at the National Library of Scotland. Visitors will get the chance to view some of the library's vast and rare collection of print.

Highlights will include the earliest books from the presses of Chepman and Myllar, published in 1508, and the first printed acts of the Scottish Parliament from as early as 1540.

Elsewhere, Laud's Book of Common Prayer is on display. The 1637 book sparked riots leading to the Covenanter wars. Items of scientific interest include Napier's logarithms and Logie Baird's Televisor.

The event will be supported by a programme of free events, including talks on a wide range of subjects such as fanzines, print and politics, and the Scottish language.

Martyn Wade, a national librarian, said: "The scope of what is on show really is impressive – all of Scotland's story is in here."

The exhibition opened yesterday and runs until October.