Alfred W. Pollard 
An Essay on Colophons, with Specimens and Translations 

Alfred W. Pollard’s ‘An Essay on Colophons, with Specimens and Translations’ is a seminal work that delves into the history and significance of colophons in the world of printing. This scholarly text provides detailed analysis of colophons, the inscriptions found at the end of manuscripts or books that provide information about the publication, the scribe, or the printer. Pollard’s meticulous examination of various colophons from different time periods and regions offers a comprehensive understanding of their importance in the study of book history and printing practices. The book’s prose is elegant and informative, reflecting Pollard’s expertise as a distinguished bibliographer and historian of printing. This work is essential reading for scholars and enthusiasts interested in the history of books and the art of printing. Alfred W. Pollard, a renowned bibliographer and editor, brings his extensive knowledge of book history and printing to ‘An Essay on Colophons’. His expertise in the field shines through in this insightful work, demonstrating his passion for preserving and documenting the history of the written word. Pollard’s meticulous research and attention to detail make this book a valuable resource for anyone interested in the study of printing and publishing. I highly recommend ‘An Essay on Colophons, with Specimens and Translations’ to those seeking a deeper understanding of the significance of colophons in the history of printing. Pollard’s thorough exploration of this often overlooked aspect of book production sheds light on the craftsmanship and artistry involved in creating printed works, making it a must-read for bibliophiles and scholars alike.

A propos de l’auteur

Alfred William Pollard (1859–1944) was a distinguished English bibliographer, a towering figure in early 20th-century scholarship on medieval books and English literature. With an illustrious career rooted in the rich soil of English philology and literature, Pollard made substantial contributions to the fields of Shakespearean studies, Chaucerian texts, and incunabula — the earliest printed books. His eminent work, ‘An Essay on Colophons, with Specimens and Translations’ reflects his keen interest in the production of books during the incunabula period and exemplifies his prowess in elucidating the provenance and historical contexts of early printed materials. Pollard’s scholarly finesse found expression in other notable works, including ‘Chaucer’s Canterbury Tales’, ‘Shakespeare Folios and Quartos’, and ‘Records of the English Bible’. His meticulous approach to literary research, coupled with his advocacy for bibliographic standards and textual integrity, helped pave the way for modern textual criticism. Pollard’s contributions to literary scholarship were recognized by his contemporaries, and his legacy endures through his insightful analysis and the bibliographic methods he championed. As an influential editor for the British Library and a professor at the University of London, his teachings and writings continue to inspire bibliographers and literary scholars around the globe.