When books were first printed, the colophon was used by the printer to convey information about himself and his assistants and about the date of the beginning and/or finishing of printing, as was the practice of manuscript copyists.

What is the word colophon mean?

(Entry 1 of 2) 1 : an inscription at the end of a book or manuscript usually with facts about its production. 2 : an identifying mark used by a printer or a publisher.

What is in a colophon?

The colophon is a brief section that states publisher (name, location, date, insignia) and book production information. Historically, colophons were always located in the back matter, but, nowadays, they're can also be featured in the front matter, after the title page, along with copyright details.