Commissioning editor: works for institutions, foundations and private collectors
At Incipit Manuscript, we take pride in our work as commissioning editors for bespoke facsimile editions. We collaborate with leading libraries, museums, and academic institutions to develop custom editorial projects. These partnerships not only preserve cultural heritage but also make it accessible to wider audiences.
As commissioning editors, we manage each step of the process with care and precision. From selecting the manuscript to overseeing and manufacturing the final binding, we ensure that every edition meets the highest standards of historical accuracy and craftsmanship. Moreover, we use high-resolution digitization, professional image restoration, and fine-art printing techniques to capture the true spirit of the originals.
If you’re planning a publishing project—whether for preservation, education, or broader dissemination—we’re here to help. As dedicated commissioning editors, we’re ready to bring your vision to life with professionalism and passion.
Commissioning Editor Showcase: Custom Publishing Projects
In each project, we apply our editorial experience to produce works that are both faithful and visually stunning. Our portfolio includes illuminated prayer books, medieval codices, botanical volumes, and historical treatises. Thanks to our role as commissioning editors, we can guide every detail—from materials and layout to cover design and finishing touches.
Theatre of mathematical and mechanical instruments and figures - Universidad Politécnica de Madrid
During the 16th and 17th centuries, a genre of technical literature emerged called the Theatre of Machines, which consisted of repertories of designs for ingenious, sometimes impossible to build, machines and devices. An early example is Jacques Besson’s book, *Theatre des instruments et des figures mathématiques et mécaniques*. Universidad Politécnica de Madrid preserves two copies of the 1587 and 1602 editions, both in the library of the Escuela Superior de Ingenieros de Caminos, Canales y Puertos.
- Binding: Bound in split tool-stamped leather.
- Substrate: Laid paper.
- Format: 407 x 275 mm.
- Pages: 244 pages.
Architecture book - Universidad Politécnica de Madrid
Universidad Politécnica de Madrid, in collaboration with us, commissioned a facsimile of an important architectural book. This facsimile faithfully reproduces the content and design of the original, giving students and professionals access to a key work of architectural history. The edition has been carefully crafted to preserve the quality and detail of the original, making it an invaluable tool for the study and appreciation of historical architecture.
- Binding: Bound in authentic parchment.
- Substrate: Laid paper.
- Format: 322 x 221 mm.
- Pages: 366 pages.
Modern elementary Atlas - Universidad Politécnica de Madrid
The “Modern Elementary Atlas” is a collection of maps designed to teach geography to children, featuring detailed maps, supplementary educational information, interactive activities, and a multicultural approach. These atlases are valuable tools for educators and parents as they help children develop map reading skills, spatial understanding, and critical thinking while exploring the world around them.
- Binding: Bound in brown leather with gold stamped spine.
- Substrate: Laid paper.
- Format: 221 x 216 mm.
- Pages: 110 pages.
Glosa Emilianense - Monasterio San Millán de Yuso
“Glosas Emilianenses” are a collection of medieval manuscripted notes on the margins of the Codex Emilianense, housed in the San Millán de Yuso Monastery, located in La Rioja, Spain. This manuscript is known for containing the Emilianenses Glosses, which are marginal annotations in Latin and early Romance offering explanations and comments on biblical and liturgical texts. The significance of this collection lies in its contribution to the study of the early development of the Spanish language and medieval culture in the Iberian Peninsula.
- Binding: Single sheet of folio 72r of the codex.
- Substrate: Mineral pergamenata paper.
- Format: 190 x 140 mm.
- Pages: 1 page.
La Rioja: Open Land. Logroño Documents - Fundación Caja Rioja
“La Rioja Open Land. Logroño Documents” is a collection of documents aimed at promoting and preserving the history and culture of the La Rioja region, specifically focusing on the city of Logroño. This collection encompasses a variety of materials, ranging from historical manuscripts to contemporary photographs, with the aim of offering a comprehensive insight into the region’s past and present. Organized by the Fundación Caja Rioja, this initiative serves as a window to La Rioja’s rich cultural and heritage, facilitating access and research for scholars, historians, and the general public.
- Binding: Three facsimile sheets enclosed in drawing tube case.
- Substrate: Mineral pergamenata paper.
- Format: 675 x 549 / 529 x 605 / 328 x 450 mm.
- Pages: 3 pages and explanatory booklet for the documents.
Historical documents of Pedroso - Ayuntamiento de Pedroso
“Historical Documents of Pedroso” is a collection of historical documents focused on preserving and sharing the rich cultural and heritage of the town of Pedroso. These documents encompass a variety of sources, including civil records, municipal acts, legal documents, and manuscripts, providing a detailed insight into the history and evolution of Pedroso over time.
- Binding: Four facsimile sheets enclosed in drawing tube case.
- Substrate: Mineral pergamenata paper.
- Format: 1161 x 539 / 441 x 398 / 436 x 416 / 314 x 357 mm.
- Pages: 4 pages and explanatory booklet for the documents.
Arte útil y compendioso (Account book) - Private commissioning
“The Useful and Comprehensive Art for Facilitating the Method of Accounts, Purchases…” is a manual designed to simplify and streamline the process of keeping accounts and making purchases. This resource provides detailed and practical instructions on how to properly manage finances and commercial transactions. It includes methods and techniques for keeping accurate records, calculating costs, budgeting, and efficiently managing money. This historical artifact is an invaluable tool for merchants, entrepreneurs, and anyone interested in effective money management and business.
- Binding: Bound in parchment covers with a leather closure.
- Substrate: Laid paper.
- Format: 143 x 71 mm.
- Pages: 352 pages.
Get more information
We are committed to excellence at every stage of our process. We work with cultural, academic and publishing institutions to preserve and disseminate the legacy of historic manuscripts and books, offering facsimiles that are true works of art. Contact us to find out more about how we can collaborate on your next project or to receive more information about our work or our facsimiles.
