How to Look After Old Books

Incunabula, also known as incunables, refers to books that were printed using movable type before the year 1501, during the nascent stages of printing technology. These remarkable works represent the dawn of the printed word, capturing the transition from handwritten manuscripts to mass-produced books. Incunabula are prized for their historical significance, offering glimpses into the cultural, intellectual and artistic landscapes of the late medieval and early Renaissance periods. They hold immense value to collectors, scholars and institutions alike, with even incomplete or fragmentary examples commanding large sums at auction.

Whilst forgeries tend to be more famously associated with the world of modern books, or at least 'dating' from the Romantic Period with the Thomas Wise forgeries, there are various risks attached with earlier books too. Creating plausible facsimiles and reissues made to look older is a tradition that dates back centuries, as is "making up" copies of famous books from various copies and editions. Fortunately our Continental Literature & History specialists are on hand to assist you with any queries or concerns you may have. Provenance, the documented history and chain of ownership of a particular book, can be extremely useful when present, especially for earlier printing and higher value continental books. If previous owners of a book were themselves significant in some historical way this can also enhance the collectability of a rare book.

In our experience, it is actually better to handle antiquarian books with clean, dry hands rather than wearing cotton gloves. Gloves can reduce your dexterity and increase the risk of damaging delicate pages. Moreover, gloves can transfer dirt and accidentally dislodge pigments or inks from the surface of the pages. Ideally minimal handling is recommended generally. At Forum Auctions we tend to reserve white gloves for our numerous auctions which feature no unsold Lots! These are traditionally known as "white glove sales".