The Archaeology of Medieval Bookbinding

This book developed out of a series of lectures Szirmai gave at the University of Amsterdam in 1987. In it he traces the evolution of the physical structure of the book, from its invention (in codex form) in the early centuries C.E. to the end of the 16th century. Chapters are organized by binding styles and attributes by region, beginning with the Mediterranean, and moving north. Numerous b&w photographs, sketches, and tables help elucidate the details of binding styles such as the Carolingian, Romanesque, and Gothic, and emphasize binding features such as sewing, fastenings, endleaves, trimming, and spine treatments. Annotation c. Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)