The provenance method in studies on early printed books

Abstract

The article focuses on provenance studies, which are fundamental for book scientists. The author analyses methodology of provenance studies on early printed books, potentials and limits of its application. Provenance marks and any other traces of book reading left on its pages by the owners or users make a copy particularly specific. Provenance marks for potential studies are listed, such as: super-exlibrises, exlibrises, manuscript notes. Also problems faced during their analyses are mentioned, like monastery provenance, rating or inluding information about them in library catalogues. While discussing the provenance method in studies on early printed books, the author refers also to experiences from other countries.