Why is incunabula printing far superior to whatever came later?

Phisicorum, circa 1485

1. Handcrafted Attention to Detail 

Early printers were trained as scribes and illuminators, bringing their meticulous standards to the press. Manuscripts often featured illuminated initials, gold leaf, and intricate borders with detailed artwork. Miniatures (small paintings) were used to illustrate key scenes, especially in religious and aristocratic works. 

2. High-Quality Paper and Ink! 

Incunabula were printed on rag-based paper, which was more durable and smoother than the later wood-pulp paper. Parchment & Vellum: High-end manuscripts were written on vellum (prepared calfskin) or parchment (sheepskin or goatskin), which were durable, smooth, and long-lasting. Rag-based Paper: In the later Middle Ages, high-quality rag paper was introduced, offering a smooth writing surface. The ink used was oil-based, adhering well to the page and providing deep, rich blacks. 

3. Carefully Designed Typefaces

All this means calligraphic precision! Scribes were trained to write with uniformity, following strict rules about letter formation, spacing, and proportions. Humanist script ensured readability and elegance. Letters were individually formed, avoiding ink smudging or uneven strokes. 

Typefaces in the Incunabula period were directly modeled after calligraphy, carefully crafted and cast in metal. Later mass production led to worn-out type molds, reducing precision and clarity. 

4. Slow and Careful Printing Process

Early printers used wooden hand presses, which applied uniform pressure. They inked the type carefully and ensured precise impressions, avoiding over-inking or smudging. 

5. Lack of Commercial Pressures

Since printing was still a craft, printers focused on artistry rather than speed. Later, as demand grew, cost-cutting measures led to lower-quality materials and faster, less precise production. 

6. Post-Printing Aesthetic Enhancements

Many incunabula were hand-rubricated and illuminated, adding an artisanal quality absent in later mass-printed books. Rubrication and Annotation Important sections were marked in red ink (rubrication) for emphasis. Margins were often used for glosses, commentaries, and scholia. Printers treated incunabula as an extension of manuscript culture, ensuring high-quality aesthetics.