These are materials held in RBSC that serve as examples of the process of making (and selling) books from medieval manuscript production through the nineteenth century. The process of collation, and understanding format for the hand-press period, is explained using the items below, along with sample papers from the Book Arts Press. Students have an opportunity to practice collation, and to learn the proper handling of early materials. This program works well in conjunction with the DVD "Anatomy Of A Book," available in the Microform and Media Services area on the 2nd floor of the Library. To request a class visit, please email the Curator.
The structure and process of creating a medieval manuscript book is explained using Medieval Manuscript Leaves
These illuminated leaves, encased in mylar for safe handling, provide a glimpse into manuscript production for a variety of works from 1150 to the early 1400s.
Vellum Manuscript, ca. 1200.
This vellum manuscript, which was originally part of a binding, allows students to feel actual 13th century vellum, and to examine it close up without worry of damage to the materials.
Rare Oversize PA8200.A1 .V444 1200A
The Ellesmere Facsimile of Chaucer's Canterbury Tales. (1995 facsimile of ca. 1400 manuscript)
NIU's copy if this illuminated facsimile is bound in an early fifteenth-century-type binding of oak boards and quarter leather.
(Book Arts Coll. O/S PR1866 .W761995a)
Martial. [Epigrammata].
Martialis cum duobus commentis.
[Venetiis, Bartholameu[s] de Zanis de Portesio, 1493].
Rare Oversize. PA 6501 A2 1493
This incunable is the library's oldest printed book. It shows a full-leather repaired15th century binding, with clasps. It is also an example of a folio.Bible. Latin. Vulgate. 1590.
Biblia Sacra : quid in hac editione à theologis louaniensibus praestitum sit, paulo post indicatur.
Antverpiae : Ex officina Christophori Plantini, apud viduam, M.D.XC. [1590]
Rare. BS75 1590ba
This 1590 Bible in octavo format was printed by the widow of Christopher Plantin. The Plantin Press in Antwerp was one of the most important presses during this period. The Plantin-Moretus Museum in Antwerp is dedicated to continuing their legacy.
Bible. O.T. Psalms. Greek. Selections.
Psalmorum Dauidis aliquot metaphrasis Graeca, Ioannis Serrani. Adiuncta regione paraphrasi Latina G. Bvchanani. Precationes eivsdem graecolatinae, quae ad singulorum Psalmorum argumentum sunt accommodatae.
[Geneva] Anno M.D.LXXV, Excudebat Henr. Stephanus. 1575.
Rare BS 1441 S47x 1575
The Etienne family was famous for creating the first scholarly editions of works. This example of a side-by-side Greek and Latin translation of the Psalms of David in octavo format from the Etienne press is the 16th-century equivalent of standard works such as Penguin or Norton Critical editions used by students. It includes blank leaves suitable for notetaking.
Shakespeare, William.
The Tempest, or The Enchanted Island. A comedy: As it is now acted at His Highness the Duke of York’s Theatre.
London: Printed by J. Macock, for Henry Herringman at the Sign of the Blew Anchor in the Lower Walk of the New Exchange. 1676.
Rare PR 2833 A1 1676
Introduction by Dryden. This is an example of a quarto book, published just 50 years after Shakespeare's time.
Piles, Roger de, 1635-1709.
Cours de peinture par principes, par Mr. de Piles
.. Amsterdam et a Leipsick: Chez Arkstee & Merkus. Et se vend a Paris, chez Charles-Antoine Jombert. M. DCC. LXVI. [1766]
Rare ND 1130 P59x 1766
This 18th century example includes plates, which can present problems to beginning collation students.
19th Century Publishing Practices
Eliot, George, 1819-1880.
Daniel Deronda.
Edinburgh : W. Blackwood, 1876.
Rare PR 4658 A1 1876a
This is an example of 19th-century publishing practices, specifically the "triple decker" novel (although in this case, it is a quadruple-decker).
Dickens, Charles, 1812-1870.
The life and adventures of Martin Chuzzlewit, his relatives, friends, and enemies ... Edited by Boz [pseud.] With illustrations by "Phiz" [pseud.]
London, Chapman & Hall, 1843-44.
Rare PR 4563 A1 1844a
This is an example of a book issued in parts (serialized), one of the other typical methods of publishing 19th-century novels.
Gay, John, 1685-1732.
Plays. viz. The captives, a tragedy. The beggar's opera. Polly, or The second part of The beggar's opera. Achilles, an opera. The distress'd wife, a comedy. The rehearsal at Gotham, a farce ; to which is prefixed An account of the life and writings of the author.
London : Printed for W. Strahan [and others], 1772.
Rare PR 3473 A1 1772
THE INTELLIGENCER. no. 1-20.
LONDON: Printed for FRANCIS COGAN, at the Middle-Temple-Gate in Fleet-street. MDCCXXX.
Rare AP 3 I6 1730
Pope, Alexander, 1688-1744.
An epistle from Mr. Pope to Dr. Arbuthnot.
London, Printed by J. Wright for Lawton Gilliver at Homer's Head in Fleetstreet,1734.
Rare PR 3630 E6 1734
Fénelon, François de Salignac de La Mothe-, 1651-1715.
Dialogues concerning eloquence in general; and particularly that kind which is fit for the pulpit: by the Archbishop of Cambray, tr. from the French, and illustrated with notes and quotations; by William Stevenson.
Glasgow, Printed and sold by R. and A. Foulis, 1750.
Rare PN 4173 F45 1750
Toland, John, 1670-1722.
Amyntor, or, A defence of Milton's life : containing I. A general apology for all writings of that kind. II. A catalogue of books attributed in the primitive times to Jesus Christ, his apostles, and other eminent persons ... III. A complete history of the book, entitul'd Icon Basilike, proving Dr. Gauden, and not King Charles the First, to be the author of it: with an answer to all the facts alleg'd by Mr. Wagstaf to the contrary; and to the exceptions made against my Lord Anglesey's Memorandum, Dr. Walker's book, or Mrs. Gauden's Narrative, which last piece is now the first time publish'd at large ...
London : Printed, and are to be sold by the booksellers of London and Westminster, M.DC.XC.IX. [1699]
Rare PR 3581 T644 1699a
Dickens, Charles, 1812-1870.
Oliver Twist, or The parish boy's progress.
New York : Wm. H. Colyer, 1840.
Rare PR 4567 A1 1840
Reynolds, Joshua, Sir, 1723-1792.
The works of Sir Joshua Reynolds, knight containing his Discourses, Idlers, A journey to Flanders and Holland, and his commentary on Du Fresnoy's Art of painting ; printed from his revised copies, (with his last corrections and additions.) In three volumes. To which is prefixed An account of thelife and writings of the author by Edmond Malone, esq... 4th ed., corrected.
London, Printed for T. Cadell, jun. and W. Davies, 1809.
N27 R25 1809
Homer.
Homer his Odysses, translated, adorn'd with sculpture, and illustrated with annotations, by John Ogilby.
London: Printed by J. Flesher for the authour, 1669.
Rare PA 4025 A5 O34 1669