History of Bookbinding as a Mirror of Society (British Library - Panizzi Lectures) [Paperback]

Mirjam Foot (Author)

Book Description

ISBN-10: 0712345973 | ISBN-13: 978-0712345972 | Publication Date: April 8, 1999

The British library holds a superb collection of fine and historic bookbindings. Some were acquired by accident, some came as part of a specific collection, and some have been deliberately acquired as historical or art historical specimens.

In this highly illustrated survey -- the text of the 1997 Panizzi Lectures -- Dr Miriam Foot explores the use and purpose of bookbindings and, by implication, the purpose of the study of the book as a physical object. She shows how the techniques of binding and decorating books reflect developments in the book trade itself, and how the production of the binding links with questions of authorship, publishing, reading and collecting; how it relates to the spread of literacy and learning, to education, and to religion, but also to economic and political circumstances and social attitudes. For anyone with an interest in the art and history of the book, this is a fascinating and authoritative study which sheds new light on many aspects of bookbinding in a broad historical context.

Product Details

• Paperback: 144 pages
• Publisher: British Library (April 8, 1999)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0712345973
• ISBN-13: 978-0712345972
• Product Dimensions: 8.4 x 5.3 x 0.5 inches
• Shipping Weight: 10.4 ounces
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #2,868,059 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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