An incunabulum is a book printed in Europe before 1501, during the early years of the printing press. The term comes from the Latin word for "cradle," reflecting the early stage of book production. These works are significant because they mark the transition from hand-copied manuscripts to printed texts, making literature more accessible. Incunabula often feature woodcut illustrations and were produced using movable type, a technology pioneered by Johannes Gutenberg. Collectors and historians value these books for their rarity and historical importance, as they provide insight into the culture and knowledge of the late 15th century.