Publishers’ Catalogues as Sources for the History of the Book. The Aldine Case Study

Abstract

Following a few considerations on the role of catalogues as primary sources for the history of book trade in the early modern period, the article focuses on the series of indices librorum published by Aldus Manutius and his heirs over a century (1497-1597). The article will then present a selection of issues and topics that will be developed in the course of some wider research, devoted to exploring the use of catalogues as advertising ploys by the Aldine press.