Bringing Centuries of European Literature to Your Fingertips

The collections in Early European Books bring online over 200 years of remarkable works from pre-18th century Europe. The contents are drawn from major repositories including the Danish Royal Library, the National Central Library in Florence, the National Library of France, the National Library of the Netherlands, and the Wellcome Library in London. No other online source offers such a wide survey of the print output of Europe from 1450-1700, removing the need for lengthy research trips and saving valuable time and budget.

As the definitive resource in its category, Early European Books allows unlimited access to thousands of pre-1701 books and rare incunabula printed in Europe. It embraces the two-and-a-half centuries following Gutenberg’s invention of movable type in the mid-15th century, which witnessed an unprecedented proliferation and dissemination of literature throughout Europe. In keeping with the tenor of the time, religious works dominate, but there is no shortage of secular material concerning every field of human thought and activity.

Drawing from a diverse array of primary sources in their original languages, this acclaimed series opens the door to in-depth scholarship that was once limited to fragile manuscripts housed in far-flung institutions.

Early European Books offers opportunities to explore examples of books produced by some of the most important printers in all the cities at moments when they were at the height of their productivity and fame.

SANDY WILKINSON, PROFESSOR

Developed and produced in collaboration with scholars, rare book librarians, bibliographers and other experts, Early European Books offers millions of fully searchable pages scanned directly from the original printed sources in high-resolution full color. Each item is captured in its entirety, complete with binding, edges, endpapers, blank pages and any loose inserts. The result is a wealth of information about the physical characteristics and histories of the original.

Early European Books Collections

Customer Resources

Short Description

Collections 1-10 Highlights

Collections 1-10 Highlights

Collections 1-10 Highlights

EEB 1-10 includes book catalogues that reflect the interests and popularity of items from the early modern period but also a substantial number of the items listed in those catalogues.

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Case Studies
Exploration of Life and Culture

Exploration of Life and Culture

Arthur de Weduwen, Ph.D. student at the University of St. Andrews, tells us how he uses Early European Books in his research such as how typographic changes can be observed over centuries.

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The Reformation

The Reformation

Simon Hudson, Senior Metadata Editor at ProQuest, sheds light on how Early European Books enrich research and learning, delving into topics such as the dissemination of Reformist ideas and their role in the Protestant Reformation.

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EEB 1-10 provides researchers with the unique opportunity to see how chronicles and histories were marketed to reach different reading publics. It also offers the opportunity to trace owners of individual copies and examine how these past users read or engaged with historical narratives.

DR. NINA LAMAL

Essays
Impact of the Printing Press

Impact of the Printing Press

Arthur der Weduwen, Historian at the University of St. Andrews, explores the impact of the printing press on the dissemination of political and state communication.

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Opening New Worlds to Researchers

Opening New Worlds to Researchers

Andrew Pettegree is a renowned British historian, professor at St. Andrews University, director of the Universal Short Title Catalog (USTC), and a leading expert on Europe during the Reformation.

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The History of Religion

Case study

The History of Religion

Andrew Pettegree, renowned British historian and professor at St Andrews University, delves into how the printing press influenced 15th century European religion — and how religion influenced the early publishing industry.

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