Originaalkäsikirja

Originaalkäsikirja refers to the original manuscript of a work, typically a literary or musical composition. It represents the author's or composer's initial written form before any subsequent revisions, transcriptions, or printed editions. These manuscripts are of significant historical and scholarly value as they offer insights into the creative process, including authorial intent, stylistic development, and any changes made during the creation of the work.

The condition and availability of originaalkäsikirjad vary greatly. Some are well-preserved in archives, libraries, or private collections, while others may be lost, damaged, or exist only in fragments. Scholars often study these original documents to establish authoritative texts, identify variations, and understand the evolution of a piece. For historical documents, the term can also extend to the earliest surviving written records.

The term "originaalkäsikirja" emphasizes its status as the primary source document, distinct from later copies or published versions. The analysis of an originaalkäsikirja can reveal unique spellings, grammatical choices, or structural elements that might be absent or altered in later iterations. It serves as a direct link to the creator's mind and hand at the moment of conception.