The supplier of Facsimile Editions you've always dreamed of

We're a small, smart team with a lot of heart and a great deal of experience as distributors of fine facsimiles (we love them too). And this website is our greatest effort to help you in your search for beautiful editions.

Frequently Asked Questions

If you don't find the answer you need, contact us

Database Content

Original documents (defined as manuscripts, printed books, maps, made in the past) are cataloged according to features related to the history of the book.

Given that FacsimileFinder.com focuses on illuminated manuscripts, the main cataloging fields are Style of Illumination, Theme of the Manuscript, Language and Country of Origin of the Manuscript, etc.

Additionally, content, script and artists involved in the production of the original document are also listed in separate fields that can be found in the comprehensive Codicology data-sheet on the right side of the product page.

Aside from the basic bibliographic information (Place, Publisher and Year of Publication), we have listed the features of each facsimile (defined as the modern reproduction of an Original Document) in a short description.

We also list languages and authors of the commentary volume, for better evaluation of the edition.

Importantly, if the facsimile is not complete (e.g. only part of a manuscript is represented), we highlight this and provide a short description of what's missing or different from the original document.

We're in the process of adding hundreds of editions, so it's possible that some facsimiles are not yet listed.

If a facsimile is not yet there, please check our Waiting List (editions yet to be catalogued).

If that doesn't help, the easiest way to have information about facsimiles is to get in touch with Giovanni: after all, he's the "expert", isn't he? :)



Searching Facsimiles

You can use our three types of search in FacsimileFinder.com:

  1. Keyword search, with faceted fields.
    You start with a keyword or a filter, and then add filters or keywords as needed to refine your search. This works in a similar fashion to a library catalog.
  2. Browse: this is a good way to gain inspiration.
    Choose a feature of the manuscript you're interested in (Style of art, Theme of the Manuscript, Country of Origin, Language, etc.) and then scroll through a visual preview of each manuscript, to find inspiration without reading the historical information.
  3. Budget, using Price Matcher.
    You can filter facsimiles according to price; and may then filter them using the historical filter (Style, Theme, Language, etc.) You need a free Library or Faculty account to use Price Matcher.

Still not able to find what you need? No worry! Get in touch with Giovanni and he'll be happy to help you in your search.

The Advanced Search allows you to search editions using keywords and facets (a facet is a feature of a manuscript. E.g. the style of art). Start your first manuscript search now!

Yes! There are 3 date filters:

  1. For broader results, search by Historical Period;
  2. Search by Century (each century goes from the year 0 to 99. E.g. the 12th century is 1100 to 1199);
  3. For very specific needs, search by Range (E.g. from 1235 to 1374).

Each search will reveal original documents that fall in the specified date range.

Be aware that the Historical Period facet contains a value that is for Extra-European documents, which are not usually included in the history of western illuminated manuscripts.

That's easy! Just use the facet Repository in the Advanced Search, and select the British Library. Equally, you can check the facsimiles made from documents of many other libraries.



Prices

We list official prices from the publisher, our own fantastic prices, and second-hand copy prices (when available), so you have the full picture of the value of an edition, and your search is easier.

Different publishers have different pricing policies. Generally speaking, publishers in Spain and Italy tend to value confidentiality and communicate prices only on request. Publishers from German-speaking areas (Germany, Austria, Switzerland), however, often publish their prices as it's a legal requirement for online shops.

We respect each publisher's wishes regarding pricing visibility. However, we also understand that it is important for libraries and faculties to be immediately aware of prices without the hassle of going through a request, awaiting a reply, etc. That's why librarians and faculties affiliated with universities can register and view prices and discounts directly online. Private customers are also encouraged to register in order to stay updated with new editions and view prices online.

However, not all prices will be visible. If you don't see a price even when logged in, please get in touch and we'll be happy to help.

A "sold out" edition is one that is unavailable new from the publisher. However, this does not mean that we can't supply a "like new" copy of that facsimile.

A "like new" copy is one that is not sealed and sold as new directly from the publisher's stock. However, it is still in excellent, as new, condition.

If you were asked to compare a new copy from the publisher and a "like new" one, you wouldn't notice any difference.

Every time we supply a copy that is not directly from the publisher's stock, we offer you an extensive description of the conditions of the copy, so you won't have any surprises upon opening it.

Official prices for facsimiles are mostly in EUR, as most publishers are based in Europe.

We offer a conversion tool that shows you the approximate daily conversion, based on the VISA official exchange rate: it's located just under the price in EUR.



Website Functionalities

Just use the Favorites feature. Click the "Add to the Favorites" link located under the Facsimile tab in each manuscript page to add a facsimile to your favorites. To save your favorites, log into your account or open a free account.

The best way to print the basic information of an edition is to use our neatly-formatted PDF. You can find "Print PDF Memo" link under the title of the facsimile in the manuscript page.

We offer an EndNote (.RIS) export. You can find "Export Endnote (.ris)" link under the title of the facsimile in the manuscript page.

In the future, we also plan to implement Zotero.



Ordering

You can place your order by submitting the contact form (click on "Request information" on a manuscript page) or by getting in touch by email (contact Giovanni).

We personally handle every single order on the basis of your individual requirements.

Yes. Facsimile Finder is an internationally recognized distributor of books specializing in facsimile editions. We are trusted supplier of the Morgan Library & Museum, University of Notre Dame, the University of Toronto Libraries, Harvard University, Princeton University, etc.

Yes, and yes. We regularly supply universities and museums all over the world, and we're able to supply the facsimiles in accordance with YOUR purchasing procedures.

Forms (W8-BEN or others) are not a problem, and invoices are all sent with each order.

Get in touch with Giovanni! He'll be happy to help and guide you to choose the best option for your needs.



Payment

We accept credit cards, wire transfer, and cheque. We accept payment in EUR, USD and GBP. If you need to pay in a different currency, please get in touch and we'll be happy to help!

No, if you order for a university or a museum. Yes, if you're a private customer and we never had business before.



Shipping

Yes we do! Certain countries, however, have very strict custom controls that regulate entry for specific types of materials.

Get in touch if you live in a country other than the USA, Canada, or Europe in order to discuss the options for having a facsimile delivered to your country.

There's no charge for handling; the shipping cost is charged at the exact price we pay to the courier, and always includes our insurance. Starting from 20 EUR for Europe/USA.

When we pack a facsimile for shipping, we make sure we exceed the safety standard for shipping with UPS.

We use new double-layer cardboard boxes, and a great deal of internal padding and plastic wrapping to insulate the content from the box.

By making sure the facsimile is fully protected we're able to offer 100% insurance on the products we ship, which are our responsibility until the moment they're delivered to you.

Yes, our insurance covers all parcels we ship using our courier.

If you want to use your own courier account, we can discuss the best way to cover your parcel with special insurance (usually offered by your courier).

We enjoy a good relationship with UPS, but we also ship with FedEx, DHL, and others.

If you have preferred choice of courier, just let us know and we'll use it.

Once in transit, the parcel is usually delivered within 24-72 hours.

We always do our utmost to ensure delivery as quickly as possible:

  1. if the edition is in stock, we usually ship within a couple of days;
  2. if the edition is in the publisher's stock, it takes a few more days:
    • the edition is shipped from the publisher to us;
    • we inspect it to assure the copy is pristine;
    • we repack with our standard precautions for safe shipping;
    • and ship it on to you.

Very occasionally we receive an imperfect edition from a publisher. If this happens, we ask the publisher to send a new copy, so it may take a few more days to be delivered.

We make sure to stay in continual touch with you to keep you updated on the delivery time.





Ready for your forever free account?

Sign Up Now