From Manuscript to Print: the Evolution of the Medieval Book

Manuscript Facsimiles
horizontal rule
The unique manuscripts featured in this exhibition offer students and scholars an exceptional opportunity to learn from authentic medieval artifacts. But, while nothing can replace the experience of working with originals, quality facsimile editions of manuscript books are equally important to research and teaching. Since process color printing became possible in the mid-19th century, publishers have produced thousands of medieval manuscript facsimiles. These "imitation" manuscripts broaden access to some of the chief works of the medieval period, without requiring scholars to travel long distances to view originals in the world’s great libraries and museums. Today, high quality facsimile editions are photo-mechanically produced with close attention to accuracy and detail, and are quite costly.

continue to Cornell's Medieval Books

Introduction
the Sacred Word
Churchbooks
Private Prayer
Letterforms
Leather and Chains
Medieval Music
Schoolbooks
How the Classics Survived
Manuscripts in the Age of Print
Evolution of the Book
Appetite for Destruction
Manuscript Facsimiles
Cornell's Medieval Books
credits
home
Cornell University Division of Rare and Manuscript Collections Cornell University Library

Copyright © 2002 Division of Rare & Manuscript Collections
2B Carl A. Kroch Library, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY, 14853
Phone Number: (607) 255-3530. Fax Number: (607) 255-9524

For reference questions, send mail to: rareref@cornell.edu
If you have questions or comments about the site, send mail to: webmaster.