Editing Festschrift (section)

==Description==
A ''Festschrift'' contains original contributions by the honored academic's close colleagues, often including their former [[doctorate|doctoral]] students. It is typically published on the occasion of the honoree's retirement, significant birthday, or other notable career anniversary. A ''Festschrift'' can be anything from a slim volume to a work in several volumes. ''[[Aufstieg und Niedergang der römischen Welt]]'', for example, began in 1972 as a ''Festschrift'' to commemorate the 75th birthday of [[Joseph Vogt]], a German classical historian. Four volumes were planned, but it has since reached 89 volumes (including several which were planned for the next years, but put on hold in 1998). The essays usually relate in some way to, or reflect upon, the honoree's contributions to their scholarly field, but can include important original research by the authors. Many ''Festschriften'' also feature a ''tabula gratulatoria'', an extended list of academic colleagues and friends who send their best wishes to the honoree.

In the case of prominent academics, several ''Festschriften'' might be prepared by various groups of students and colleagues, particularly if the scholar made significant contributions to different fields.

According to psychiatrist [[Claudio Naranjo]], being selected by a prominent academic to edit a ''Festschrift'' can symbolize the proverbial passing of the torch. Thus, being designated to prepare such a collection is considered an honor in Germany.<ref>Claudio Naranjo. [http://www.claudionaranjo.net/navbar_english/festschrift_english.html Festschrift]</ref>