HISTORY OF THE BOOK AND BIBLIOGRAPHY

The course is part of the characterizing teachings of several master's degree courses (History, Philology, Archival and library sciences). It aims to provide an advanced knowledge of bibliological,bibliographic and catalographic methodologies, as well as of the history and role of the book both as a means of cultural and information dissemination and as a collectible artefact.

The course has three main objectives:
1. address the development of the 'book' as artefact;
2. illustrate the historical evolution of bibliographic and cataloging tools, intended as a tool for ordering knowledge, from Renaissance printed catalogs to current online databases;
3. address the study of the history of the book, intended as a communication tool, a cultural object and a repository of knowledge;
The course has a seminar character. It includes the examination of ancient books (from incunabula to nineteenth-century books) during the lessons, group-based laboratory activity and visits to libraries holding collections of early-printed books.

No specific prerequisites are required.

The first part of the course will be dedicated to a bibliological analysis of the book as an artefact: the passage from manuscript to incunabula, the development of the artefact and the technical problems it encountered in fifteenth-sixteenth centuries: paper, ink, mamagement of pipeline in the printer's shop, printing and misprinting; the development of distinct types of book products destined to different publics (mid seventeenth-nineteenth centuries). This will be followed by a visit to the cini Foundation for the examination of valuable and rare incunabula.
Another lesson will take place in the library of the Ateneo Veneto where we will examine early-modern scientific books with monastic provenance.
The second part of the course will be dedicated to the development of the order of knowledge starting in the Renaissance through catalogues and bibliographies (general, thematic, linguistic, local) and to the birth of databases and relational databases as a different approach to knowledge
The last part will concentrate on the role of the book in propagating knowledge, information, science and innovation.
Some lessons will be held as laboratory with students working in groups.

It is advisable to read the following book before or during the course:
ANDREA DI PASQUALE, Che cos'è la bibliologia, Roma, Carocci, 2018
LUCIEN FEBVRE, HENRI-JEAN MARTIN, La nascita del libro, Roma-Bari Laterza 2011 [ed. or. 1958]
FRÉDÉRIC BARBIER, Storia del libro in Occidente, Bari, Dedalo, 2018.
HANS TUZZI, Libro antico, libro moderno, Roma, Carocci, 2018.
EDOARDO BARBIERI, Guida al libro antico. Conoscere e descrivere il libro tipografico, Firenze, Le Monnier, 2006
ROBERT DARNTON, What Is the History of Books? “Daedalus”, Vol. 111/3 (Summer, 1982), pp. 65-83
ROBERT DARNTON, "What is the history of books?" revisited. “Modern Intellectual History” 4(2007), pp. 495-508
Printing and Misprinting: A Companion to Mistakes and In-House Corrections in Renaissance Europe (1450-1650), ed. Geri Della Rocca de Candal, Anthony Grafton, and Paolo Sachet, Oxford, Oxford University Press, 2023
THESE TEXTS ARE ONLY A SUGGESTION FOR BASIC READING AND NOT SUBJECT TO ANY EXAM

The exam consists in the preparation of an individual paper (at least 8 pp.) or a project work. The theme is to be decided with the tutor.
It is reaffirmed that the paper or the project work are in fact the final exam. Therefore, students are required NOT to present themselves on the exam date published on the web. This date is valid for the delivery of the project work via mail.

written

INDIVIDUAL PAPER (ca. 8 pp.)
Clear presentation of the topic – 25%
Correct syntax – 10%
Analytical skills – 40%
Use of scientific sources – 25%

PROJECT WORK
Since the proposed topics vary, the student will be informed of the grade distribution specific to their chosen topic during the first meeting with the tutor.

The course is seminar-based and requires the active participation of students. A laboratory activity involving ancient books and digital databases is planned.
Part of the materials used in the course will be provided through the moodle platform

Italian

The exam consists in the preparation of an individual paper (at least 8 pp.. The theme is to be decided with the tutor during a reception either in presence or onòine (not by mail or by phone). The request to prepare a paper is accepted until June 30 for the current academic year. After this date, the request will refer to the following academic year.
It is reaffirmed that thepaper or project work are in fact the final exam. Therefore, students are required NOT to present themselves on the exam date published on the web. This date is valid for the delivery of the paper or project work via mail.
Reception hours: only upon appointment either in presence or online writing to: raines@unive.it
Ca’ Foscari abides by Italian Law (Law 17/1999; Law 170/2010) regarding support services and accommodation available to students with disabilities. This includes students with mobility, visual, hearing and other disabilities (Law 17/1999), and specific learning impairments (Law 170/2010). If you have a disability or impairment that requires accommodations (i.e., alternate testing, readers, note takers or interpreters) please contact the Disability and Accessibility Offices in Student Services: disabilita@unive.it.

This subject deals with topics related to the macro-area "Cities, infrastructure and social capital" and contributes to the achievement of one or more goals of U. N. Agenda for Sustainable Development