Compare the pages of historic printed books.

Take a look at a selection of important printed books from the Renaissance and early modern period. Examine every page and compare different editions side-by-side. Choose magnified view to help you see the details of pages. You will also find supporting material by our experts.

Shakespeare in quarto

107 copies of the 21 plays by Shakespeare printed in quarto

Caxton's Chaucer

William Caxton's two editions of Chaucer's Canterbury Tales

Gutenberg Bible

Compare two copies of Europe's earliest printed book

Renaissance festival books

253 books about festivals and ceremonies in Europe from 1475 to 1700