Colleagues,
I'm not sure we ever answered the initial question (below) directly.
1. How many incunabula were printed
The wide range of estimates (8 to 20 million) depends on two crucial but still undetermined factors: number of editions, and average print runs of those editions. The conservative estimate in English sources is usually 10 million copies, although Neddermeyer, Von der Handschrift zum Gedruckten Buch 131, calculates some 17 million, and Lenhart, Pre-Reformation Printed Books 10, suggests the 20 million figure.
2. How many pieces are extant today
The numbers 27,500 to 40,000 refer to editions. The former is the total of editions listed in ISTC, the latter is the high estimate of all incunable edition, known and lost. Geldner, Inkunabelkunde 235, suggests 525,000 to 550,000 copies of incunabula survive. Neddermeyer, 131, agrees with over 1/2 million extant copies.
I'm compiling a census of known 15th-century edition sizes, now numbering some 250 editions, which will be published with transcriptions of the original documents. Note that this is less than 1% of the original editions. It may prove possible to raise the overall estimate of 15th-century press production above 10 million, but fact that some scholars have seen the possibility of doubling that figure only underlines how little we know.
Eric White
Bridwell Library
-----Original Message-----
From: exlibris@library.berkeley.edu
[mailto:exlibris@library.berkeley.edu]On Behalf Of dwess
Sent: Monday, August 23, 2004 9:05 PM
To: Multiple recipients of list
Subject: How many incunabula printed 1455-1500 / How many extant today
Hi,
Can anyone tell me where I might find current information on the following:
1. How many incunabula were printed during the incunabula period (I've seen
estimates from 8 million
to 20 million)
2. How many pieces are extant today (27,500 - 40,000)
Your help is greatly appreciated!
Diana Wess
Preservation / Special Collections
Colorado State University Libraries