Books, pamphlets, and broadsides printed before 1501 are known as incunabula. The term originates from Latin, meaning “cradle” or “swaddling clothes.”
Though incunabula were published in various languages and styles, most were written in Latin. Venice was a significant hub for printing during the 15th century, producing many of these early works. Other notable centers for incunabula production included Rome, Strasbourg, and Cologne.
While religious texts comprised most of the Incunabula collection, there were also many secular works covering subjects such as grammar, medicine, law, and history.
The first book printed in English was “The Recuyell of the Historyes of Troye” in 1475.
Although Europe was responsible for the majority of incunabula production,
there are remarkable examples from other regions, too. China’s Diamond Sutra is recognized as the oldest known printed book (868 AD), representing Buddhist scripture. Similarly ancient is Korea’s Jikji simche yojeol (1377), which contains an assortment of Buddhist teachings.
Incunabula demonstrate great linguistic diversity; they include Latin, Greek, Hebrew—the likes—and even Chinese! Early books primarily catered to religious purposes due to the high church demand.
Bibles and prayer books dominated this category, but secular works like histories and travelogues also found their place among these early prints.
Incunabula holds immense significance for books and publishing because they offer precious insights into book history, being some of the oldest surviving printed materials worldwide.
They establish a vital connection between medieval literature and its evolution into the early modern era—a bridge uniting two distinct periods within book history.
Furthermore, their value extends beyond historical importance; collectors regard them as rare items that can command substantial prices at auctions.
These factors collectively highlight how essential Incunabula is in books and publishing.