Illuminated Facsimiles was born in May 2018 from the personal over ten-year experience of Carlo Canestrelli, bookseller in Rome and frequent visitor to private libraries and antique bookshops throughout Italy. Illuminated Facsimiles’ aim is to find prestigious books to meet the demands of its – old and new – customers.

We deal with the antique and private collector market, and in particular with facsimile reproductions of illuminated manuscripts that have been edited or distributed in Italy by the major European publishers.

Through constant interaction with the Italian antiquarian and collector market, every year we see thousands of facsimiles first-hand, personally selecting the works we are required by those who, out of passion or study, want to own these masterpieces. This is why our customers can always be sure of the excellent condition of the works they require. In some cases, if there is no availability of the work on the second-hand market, we turn directly to the publishers, thus providing our customers with new copies.

It is thanks to the Illuminated Facsimiles that libraries, institutions, scholars and collectors from all over the world can acquire new volumes – or in excellent conservation conditions, always at competitive prices.

HOW CAN I GET INFORMATION ON THE WORKS THAT I SEE ON THE WEBSITE?
You can contact us directly, or fill in the designated form. Both the direct contacts and the form are displayed in each facsimile page on the website, as well as in the CONTACTS page.

CAN YOU ALSO GET FACSIMILES THAT I DO NOT SEE ON YOUR WEBSITE?
There is always the possibility of finding facsimile copies even if they are not on the website. The best thing to do is to contact us in any case to find out if the edition you are looking for is available.

HOW CAN I PURCHASE THE BOOKS I SEE ON THE SITE?
The books can be purchased directly: by telephone, email or Skype. We do not use e-commerce, which does not allow any communication with the customer who wants to have information about the facsimile before purchasing it.

HOW CAN I PAY THE ITEMS I ORDERED?
Our customers usually prefer bank transfer or check in the case of personal delivery.

ARE THE FACSIMILES THAT I PURCHASE SHIPPED OR PERSONALLY DELIVERED?
We guarantee fast, safe and traceable shipping. The works are always packaged so as to safeguard the integrity of the facsimile. When possible, however, we prefer to deliver the facsimiles in person: in Italy this procedure is often feasible. In some cases we also deliver in person to neighbouring countries.

WHERE DO THE FACSIMILES COME FROM?
The facsimiles we offer come almost exclusively from the antique and private collector market. We carefully and personally select the facsimiles you purchase: the works are therefore always in excellent condition. In some cases we order new copies directly from the publishers.