This book investigates the historical significance and artistic characteristics of colophons used by early printers. Joseph Spencer Kennard, drawing from his expertise in historical printing, examines the evolution of these printer's marks and their role in identifying and authenticating early printed works. The study focuses on the period when printing was transitioning from manuscript traditions, highlighting the craftsmanship and individual styles of early printers as expressed through their colophons. It aims to provide a detailed account of these often-overlooked elements of early book production.

This historical study is likely to be appreciated by bibliophiles, historians of printing, and scholars of early book production. The focus on colophons suggests a detailed and specialized approach to the subject matter. The book's origin in the Cornell University Library's print collections indicates a scholarly and archival basis for its content. It offers a deep dive into a specific aspect of printing history, appealing to those interested in the minutiae of early book craftsmanship.