In the days before the printing press when books were printed manually by hand, the author turned the beginning initial letter into a work of art telling the reader, “Hey look here! Grab your attention. I went to a lot of trouble printing this!”
But it is just not old books that made that art in the top left corner! Even to this day Go Comics has put an artistic smiley face at the top left corner here in front of their name!
danketaz Premium Member 11 months ago
Mostly to make sure you don’t lose your place.
dcdete. 11 months ago
In the days before the printing press when books were printed manually by hand, the author turned the beginning initial letter into a work of art telling the reader, “Hey look here! Grab your attention. I went to a lot of trouble printing this!”
But it is just not old books that made that art in the top left corner! Even to this day Go Comics has put an artistic smiley face at the top left corner here in front of their name!
some idiot from R'lyeh Premium Member 11 months ago
In which Esther achieves illumination.
VICTOR PROULX 11 months ago
As I recall, the first word in Joyce’s Ulysses, is “Stephen,” and the “S” takes up the entire first page.
Decepticomic 11 months ago
I would’ve gone with SURE, but to each their own.
sallyseckman 11 months ago
The same with old book bindings. It was charming.