Unique Variants of Didactic Gospel Print (Vievis, 1616)

In the article for the first time factual information on uniquely large complex of editorial variants of Didactic Gospel print (Vievis, 1616) is introduced into scientific use. In general more than 600 variants of typesetting are determined. The variation is connected with usage of letter combination «шт» or letter «шта» (o) in same words. Discovered variants reflect editorial conception of presentation to reader two different groups of copies, distinguished only by usage of шт/o. The orientation of editors and translators, in particular prominent Ukrainian linguist and educator Meletius Smotrytsky, to speaking tradition of Ukrainian language is shown. Detailed examine of discovered variants in ten copies of edition from Vernadsky National library of Ukraine collection gave the possibility to determine certain editorial mistakes, which were made during the process of printing and gathering of copies. Also it enabled to make an attempt to reconstruct particular technical elements of editorial process connected with text proof in sheets. The issue of absence in modern linguistic special researches of шт / o usage disposition, which preclude precise display of philological seeking of old Ukrainian language creators and native speakers, was pointed.