Only works protected for centuries between valuable book covers show the art of our forefathers in its purest form. National libraries and museums keep them as state treasures: the priceless illuminated manuscripts of the Middle Ages, splendid works of art, richly embellished with miniatures full of symbolism and magic, testimonies to long gone epochs which recount the secrets of their time. For reasons of conservation, even acknowledged researchers are no longer granted unlimited access to the masterpieces of medieval book painting. Perfect facsimile editions, however, have made these outstanding examples of age-old art accessible to scholars, collectors and bibliophiles alike.

Fine Art Facsimile Editions

A Fine Art Facsimile Edition is the perfect image of a unique original. It constitutes the faithful reproduction of an illuminated manuscript in all its detail, using methods of printing and craftsmanship, perfectly reflecting the shading of individual tones of colour, silver, and gold. The patina of gold, that evolves over centuries, is reproduced just as well as the relief of its chasing. Facsimile editions must fully replicate the original for research and collection purposes. The surface structure and thickness of the paper used by Faksimile Verlag Luzern in the reproduction process correspond to the greatest extent possible to the original writing material. Faksimile Verlag Luzern further attaches great importance to the materials' resistance to ageing, so that both value and durability of an edition may be considered as virtually unlimited.

The hand-made facsimile bindings must befit the character of the original. In any single case, the binding of a Fine Art Facsimile Edition made by Faksimile Verlag Luzern is a perfect example of the art and practise of bookbinding throughout the centuries.

Our editions are strictly limited and numbered in order to offer the collector the chance of verifying the quality and value of each single edition.

A Fine Art Facsimile Edition may only be regarded as the perfect replica of a manuscript if it comes with a well-written scholarly commentary. Comprehensive commentary volumes written by leading researchers form an integral part of any Fine Art Facsimile Edition.

Each Fine Art Facsimile Edition preserves a cultural heritage and enables us to study and learn about the history of our western culture. Both preservation and reproduction, protection and faithful documentation, are the goals we strive to achieve with every work we produce.