CSU Libraries: Archives and Special Collections: Rare Books: Antiquities, Manuscript Leaves, Incunabula

The Rare Book Collection at Colorado State University Libraries includes excellent examples representative of the history of the book and early writing. Typography, early illustration, bookbindings and printer’s devices are a few of the early book design elements represented.

The collection includes: a cuneiform tablet and cone both over 4,000 years old; early documents on papyrus; manuscript leaves; incunabula leaves printed by preeminent printers Aldus Manutius and Nicolas Jenson; a rare copy of the incunabulum, De Proprietatibus Rerum printed by Anton Koberger in 1492; and our earliest book, Sermones Quadragesimales de Poenitentia printed in 1472 by Arnoldus Pannartz and Conradus Sweynheym, German printers who brought printing to Italy in 1465.

DEFINITIONS

Cuneiform – from the Latin cuneus (wedge) and forma (shape). A wedge-shaped script developed by the Sumerians and adapted by other Mesopotamian cultures.

Incunabulum – Latin for swaddling clothes. A term used for books printed before 1501. Incunabula is the plural form.

Papyrus – A plant grown in Egypt and processed for use as writing material.

Parchment / Vellum – Made from animal skins, generally calf, goat or sheep used as writing material.

Printers' Device - Also called printers' mark. A symbol or design representing the printer or publisher of the piece. Height of use was during the 15th - 17th century. Usually found on the title page or colophon.

Antiquities, Manuscript Leaves, Incunabula

DEFINITIONS

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