The Archaeology of Medieval Bookbinding [Hardcover]

J. A. Szirmai (Author)

Book Description

ISBN-10: 0859679047 | ISBN-13: 978-0859679046 | Publication Date: August 1999

Studies of the history of bookbinding are often mainly concerned with the exterior decoration. This volume focuses attention primarily on the physical aspects of the binding and its construction principles. It is an expanded version of a series of lectures delivered by the author while Visiting Professor at the University of Amsterdam in 1987, supplemented with the results of ten years of intensive research in major libraries on the continent, the UK and USA. The book surveys the evolution of binding structures from the introduction of the codex 2000 years ago to the close of the Middle Ages. Part One reviews the scanty physical evidence from the Mediterranean heritage, the early Coptic, Islamic and Ethiopian binding structures and their interrelation with those of the Byzantine realm. Part Two features a detailed analysis of Western binding structures, distinguishing the Carolingian, Romanesque and gothic wooden-board bindings as the main typological entities; their structure and function is compared with those of contemporary limp bindings.

Product Details

• Hardcover: 300 pages
• Publisher: Scolar Pr (August 1999)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0859679047
• ISBN-13: 978-0859679046
• Product Dimensions: 9.8 x 7.3 x 1.1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 2.6 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (5 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #739,747 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

13 of 13 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars EXTRAORDINARY!, March 28, 2000

By A Customer

This review is from: The Archaeology of Medieval Bookbinding (Hardcover)

A scholarly study of medieval bookbindings filled with new information as well as references to previous studies on the subject both successful and unsuccessful in the light of modern research. The truly magnificent aspect of the book, however, is it's illustrations. Close up photos and detailed drawings of bindings, sewings, endbands, etc make this book a must-have for binders interested in recreating historically accurate books of this time period as well as for those fascinated by the subject in and of itself.

7 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Highly recommended, August 24, 2000

By A Customer

This review is from: The Archaeology of Medieval Bookbinding (Hardcover)

Charts, drawings and photographs complement the scholarly yet readable text so perfectly that I was able to recreate a 10th century binding correct in every detail after reading this book. Highly recommended for students of historical bookbinding particularly and binders and medievalists generally.

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Highly recommended, August 24, 2000

By A Customer

This review is from: The Archaeology of Medieval Bookbinding (Hardcover)

Charts, drawings and photographs complement the scholarly yet readable text so perfectly that I was able to recreate a 10th century binding correct in every detail after reading this book. Highly recommended for students of historical bookbinding particularly and binders and medievalists generally.