Facsimiles as a type of book publications — definition, typology, editing and functions

Abstract

The subject of facsimiles has rarely been explored in Polish bibliology. That is why the present study is an attempt to systematise the knowledge of the subject on the basis of bibliological and scholarly sources, both Polish and foreign. Facsimiles are made to represent the most important features of documents, including the faithfulness in the reproduction of the original, content added during facsimile edition (back matter, commentary) as well as formal and editorial features. The very process of producing a facsimile consists in advanced scanning of the original document, precise printing guaranteeing faithful reproduction of colours, manual treatment (e.g. cutting of holes, gilding etc.) and binding. All these elements are to make the facsimile similar to the original as much as possible. Facsimiles serve as substitutes of original documents, making it possible to disseminate and protect the originals, and use them in research or popularising activities. Given the aesthetic and material value, they may also become collector’s items or investments for potential users. Today facsimiles are undergoing transformations in the context of their roles and functions.