Binding and Parchments

The physical construction of Medieval books was a much more difficult and time-consuming process than it is today. There also was much less division of labor in those days. Often, the entire book from the making of parchment to the final binding was done in the confines of one monastery.

Binding

Medieval Book Manual -- thorough description of how the books were bound
Medieval Writing -- examples and descriptions of bindings
Introduction to Medieval ... Bookbinding -- reading list for a class at the rare book and manuscript school in Virginia
Database of Bookbindings -- in the British Library. Most of these are printed books, but there are some manuscripts. Search for the period before the 16th century
Getty Video -- see the video "Making Manuscripts" it talks about making parchment, illumination, and binding
Leather and Chains -- examples of three kinds of binding from Cornell: flap, chained, and metal

Parchment

Making Parchment -- a description by a contemporary company that still makes parchment today.
Making Parchment -- an extensive explanation from the Medieval Manuscripts Manual.
More about Making Parchment -- by Octavia Randolph, an expert on sheep.
Making and Preserving Parchment -- Diane Tillotson's take on parchment.
Purple Vellum -- an unusual color for parchment or vellum.


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