Druckschriften

Druckschriften (literally “print writings”) denotes printed matter—texts produced by printing processes rather than by hand copying. In library science, bibliography, and historical contexts the term is used to distinguish printed publications from handschriften (manuscripts). The category comprises books, pamphlets, periodicals, broadsides, official texts and other materials that have been mass-produced in printed form, regardless of format or era.

Origins and development: The emergence of movable-type printing in the 15th century, notably in Gutenberg’s workshop, marks the beginning of Druckschriften in Europe and contributed to wider literacy and textual reproduction. Printing technologies evolved from incunabula to later methods such as rotary presses, lithography, offset printing, and, more recently, digital printing, but all are encompassed by the concept of Druckschriften.

Classification and use: In bibliographic catalogs, Druckschriften are categorized separately from manuscripts to reflect their production, editorial process, and intended readership. The term is widely used in German-language libraries, national catalogs, and scholarly work to describe material that exists in printed form rather than handwritten.

Significance: Druckschriften are primary sources for the study of history, literature, and culture, providing information about authorship, publishing history, dissemination, and reception. They also illustrate changes in technology, economy, education, and society, and their preservation poses distinct challenges compared with manuscript material.