Soldini, Anima brutorum, 1776 (a8r; Smithsonian)

The opening of each chapter in this book features intaglio initial letters, the colors of which vary from copy to copy. In this copy from the Smithsonian, an ochre ink is used, but in the Getty's copy, the initial letter is printed in blue.

Soldini, Anima brutorum, 1776 (pl. facing a8r; Getty)

Because plates are printed in a separate process from letterpress text, and because the images in Soldini's work are not closely related to the text, different copies of the book have the plates inserted and bound in different locations. In this copy from the Smithsonian, this is the illustration facing the first chapter, but compare this to the Getty's copy of the book.

Soldini, Anima brutorum, 1776 (pl. facing a8r; Smithsonian)

Because plates are printed in a separate process from letterpress text, and because the images in Soldini's work are not closely related to the text, different copies of the book have the plates inserted and bound in different locations. In this copy from the Smithsonian, this is the illustration facing the first chapter, but compare this to the Getty's copy of the book.

Songs in the opera of Hamlet, 1712 (p1)

This (now disbound) page from an opera of Hamlet shows clear marks from the copper plate used to print the music.

Summons, 1622

This summons to appear before the King's exchequer is a typical printed form---the parts that are the standard formula are printed, while the specifics of dates and places are filled in by hand.

The Moderate, 1648 (recto)

This issue of an English newsbook has remained uncut and so shows us its quarto imposition as the pages would have been laid out when printed.

The Moderate, 1648 (verso)

In this unopened sheet, you can see not only the quarto imposition but, if you look closely, one of the pinholes that would have been used to place and hold the blank sheet of paper on the press.

Theobald, Double Falshood, 1728 (A1r)

This half-title page includes the price for the volume printed at the bottom of the page. The full imprint can be found on the full title page on the next leaf.

Theobald, Double Falshood, 1728 (A2r)

Like that of most English playbooks, this title page indicates where the play was first performed as well as its title and author.

Theobald, Double Falshood, 1728 (B7v)

At the bottom of this page is the small press figure "3."