misc: pilcrow

Apian, Cosmographicus, 1524 (H4v)

In this middle of this page, and obscuring some text, is the string and paper securing the discs of the volvelle on the other side of this leaf.

Boethius, Consolatione, 1497 (d1r)

Boethius's De consolatione philosophiae, a popular medieval text, was often circulated with commentary. Here, Boethius's text is printed in a larger size, with the commentary surrounding it.

Dowland, Songes, 1597 (π1r)

A woodcut title page for John Dowland's collection of songs.

Guyot, Type specimen, 1565

Specimen sheets are used by type-casters to show examples of the fonts they have for sale. This one shows work from François Guyot, a type-caster in Antwerp, and was used to sell his wares in England, as evidenced by the manuscript notes in English secretary hand. Careful sleuthing comparing these typefaces to those used in dated texts and to surviving records from the Plantin printing shop identified Guyot and the likely date of 1565. For more on those details, see this post from the Folger's

Marston, Antonio and Mellida, 1603 (A1r)

Thomas Fisher's printer's device, shown on this playbook title page, puns on his name by featuring a kingfisher bird.

Vincent, Discouerie, 1622 (¶2r)

The author's letter to the subject of his critique is set off with a headpiece and an initial letter. Atpically for English books, the prefatory material is signed with a pilcrow (¶).