The development of the symbiotic nova PU Vulpeculae in the years 1984-1992

Spectroscopic observations of the symbiotic nova PU Vul between 1984 and 1990, i.e. before and after the transition to the nebular state are presented. They fill in some gaps not only in the temporal but also in the spectral coverage of the system, including many observations in the red range which has not as well been monitored in the past as the blue range. A detailed description in particular of the emission lines (which are also present before the transition phase) is given, documenting the spectral evolution of PU Vul. The spectroscopic observations are supplemented by some photometry performed between 1985 and 1992.