Refereed journal article or data article (A1)

Compiling practices in printed English paratexts 1500–1550




List of AuthorsVarila Mari-Liisa

PublisherPace University Press

Publication year2018

JournalJournal of the Early Book Society

Journal acronymJEBS

Volume number21

Start page27

End page52

URLhttp://press.pace.edu/journal-of-the-early-book-society/


Abstract

Many early English texts survive in manuscript compilations created by
book producers, early owners, or book collectors. Manuscript compilations
relatively rarely contain explicit commentary on the selection and organization
of texts. With manuscripts produced in the bespoke mode or copied
for private use, the reader would typically have already had an idea of what
would be included in the product and why. Many early printed books are also
compilations and adaptations of earlier material. The paratextual elements
in these books occasionally shed light on the processes of text production
and compilation. In speculative production of printed books, there may have
been more reason to justify decisions related to the production of a given
edition. In paratextual spaces—for example, title pages and prefaces—text
producers could explain their rationale to the potential customers.

This study addresses the textual agency of late-medieval and early-modern
compilers as presented on English title pages and other front matter from
1500 to 1550. I first examine verbs related to compiling practices found on
title pages. I then focus on the various uses of the verb compile in context,
drawing examples from prefaces and letters to the reader. Finally, I compare
printed comments on compiling activities to late-medieval and early-modern
manuscript practices, suggesting that evidence from printed paratexts may
also advance our understanding of manuscript production.


Last updated on 2021-24-06 at 08:52