An Essay on Colophons, with Specimens and Translations

"An Essay on Colophons, with Specimens and Translations" by Alfred W. Pollard is a detailed investigation into the world of colophons found in old books. This non-fiction book shines a light on colophons from before title pages became common, showing how important they were for understanding the history of books. It starts by explaining what a colophon is, where the name comes from, and what its job was in handwritten and early printed books. Instead of just listing facts, the author makes colophons feel real and important, pointing out how they show the personalities of the people who printed the books and their new role in the growing world of literature. The book uses specific examples to help readers see these old inscriptions as more than just dates and names; they tell stories.