Types of provenance

Evidence that volumes were owned by a particular person varies considerably, from an expensive customized binding, through armorial bookplates, and dedicatory epistles from friends, to a simple autograph. Some of the more interesting, and significant, examples are listed below.

If you would like to see any of the early printed books or manuscripts mentioned in the index, please contact the Special Collections Librarian (tel. 01223-339393).

Bindings

Binding stamps and marks

Book furniture

Bookplates

(Style descriptions use approximate terminology, where appropriate, from Pearson's Provenance research in book history)

Hand-drawn coats of arms and devices

Inscriptions & marks