Typography of the Brest Bible as Compared with the 16th Century Prints

Abstract

The following article is a comprehensive analysis of the physical layout of the Brest Bible in comparison with the typographical standard model dominant in the 16th century. The author of the article explores the idea that the new edition of The Bible, initiated by Mikołaj "Czarny" Radziwiłł, was valued during its time not only as a pioneering translation of the Holy Text but also as a labour-intensive editorial project. The article is an overview of the text format and page layout. The author focuses on the visual significance of the book, especially the ornamental materials used to create it. The paper shows how the Brest Bible stands out in comparison with other contemporary Protestant prints. The author focuses on the unusual layout of the chapters, which are both rich and complex in terms of the organization and the commentary, as well as the extensive publishing frame and ornate decor. The typographical model used in the creation of the Brest Bible amazes contemporary scholars with its eternal functionality and reveals the astonishing complexity of the design.