The British Library Guide to Bookbinding: History and Techniques (British Library Guides)

Marks, Philippa

ISBN 10: 0802081762 / ISBN 13: 9780802081766

Published by University of Toronto Press, 1998

About this Item

This book is in acceptable condition and may have highlighting and or writing throughout. The actual cover image may not match the stock photo, dust jacket may be damaged or missing. Book may show internal and or external wear on spine or cover and may be slightly skewed or have creased pages. This is a used book so codes may be invalid or accompanying media may be missing. May be an Ex library book with stickers and stamps.

Seller Inventory # GBV.0802081762.A

Bibliographic Details

• Title: The British Library Guide to Bookbinding: History and Techniques (British Library Guides)
• Publisher: University of Toronto Press
• Publication Date: 1998
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 0802081762
• ISBN 13: 9780802081766
• Binding: Soft cover
• Condition: acceptable

About this title

Synopsis

Since the development of the codex book form in the first century AD, bookbindings have played a crucial role not only in protecting and preserving the texts which they contain, but also in the history of the book as an artefact. The artistic style, materials and techniques used in creating a bookbinding can offer fascinating insights into a whole range of historical and cultural issues, from the dating and placing of the material it contains, to the social standing of the book's owner. Historic bindings can provide evidence of trade routes, the spread of ideas and the significance of texts. They can also reflect contemporary taste and the availability of materials and technology at a given time.

In The British Library Guide to Bookbinding, P.J.M. Marks introduces the history of the craft bookbinding trade in the west from the introduction of the codex to the twentieth century, explains how bookbindings are structured and made, and gives an overview of the development of decorative techniques and artistic styles.

With over 75 colour and black-and-white illustrations, and a useful brief glossary of bookbinding terms, The British Library Guide to Bookbinding: History and Techniques is one of a series of titles providing accessible and lively introductions to the practical aspects of the history of books and how they are made.

About the Author

Philippa Marks is the Curator of Early Collections at The British Library.