#printers device

#WordyWednesday

Printer’s device: A printer’s logo, typically included as part of a colophon or on the title page. The first printer’s device was used by Peter Schöffer and Johann Fust’s shop in Mainz in 1462. Printer’s devices are also sometimes called “printer’s marks.”

Image: Scriptores rei rusticae. Venice: Aldus Manutius and Andre Torresani d'Asola, 1514. PA6139 .R8 1514

Enlightened Reading

We enjoy this excellent and nonchalant sun fellow who appears on the printer's device of this 17th century work of ancient philosophy. The Latin motto explains that while the sun drives away shadows of night, a book clears away shadows darkening the heart.

Publishers have often imprinted devices on the title page of their books. This device was used by the Mohun Brothers, printers based in Washington DC. It depicts an oil lamp burning brightly, a symbol often associated with knowledge.

Device of Girolamo Scotto, a Venetian printer also known as Hieronymus Scotus. He was active between the years of 1539-1573 and manufactured volumes on diverse subjects including philosophy, law, medicine, and music.

Images from: Colliget Averrois totam medicinam ingentibvs volvminibvs ab aliis traditam... Venice: Apvd Hyeronimvm Scotvm, 1549.

Call Number: R128.3 .A85 1549

This 1542 edition of Polybius' Histories was printed by Sebastianus Gryphius. True to his name, he featured a griffin on his printer's device. This work also has historiated initials.

Images from:

Printer’s device of Michel Angier from Baptista, Mantuanus, 1448-1516. Parthenice catharinaria, 1512.

IC5.B2296.489pg