Presentation copy

[1][2] A simple Latin inscription is ex dono authoris ("from the author's gift").

[3] In manuscripts from the Middle Ages and the Renaissance, a presentation copy often contained a presentation miniature, a small painting depicting the author giving a copy to a recipient.

The second includes special presentation copies prepared for prominent individuals, such as kings.

A small number of presentation copies are associated neither with the book's producers nor famous individuals and are notable only for the usually fine details of binding or printing.

[5] They rank highly among presentation copies in collectors' estimations.