Medieval girdle book

from $900.00

Medieval girdle book

This model is accompanied by a twelve-page, illustrated booklet with bibliography outlining the construction of medieval bindings in general and the girdle book in particular.

The girdle book is a medieval binding structure featuring a long extension of leather, which could be attached to a traveler’s belt. This leather extends from the tail of the book, so the text can be read while the book is still attached to the reader’s belt. The extension often terminates in a decorative knot or hook. The twenty-three extant girdle books date from 1454 to 1579.

There are hundreds of representations of these bindings in paintings and other visual arts. This model displays features typical of medieval bindings:

• Text block sewn on double supports

• Wooden boards shaped all around, with special attention given to the inside spine edge to match the text block’s shoulder

• Spine linings extend beyond the text block and attach to the inside of the boards

• Text block laced onto boards and cords pegged in

• Sewn headbands also laced into the boards

• Full covering in vividly-colored leather or velvet

• Strap and pin closure

• Corner bosses

• Vellum foredge markers

• Turk’s head knot to finish leather extension at the binding’s tail

Text block of Hahnemuhle Gutenberg, 4.75 x 3.25 x 1.25 inches.

Book can be covered in pig suede, alum-tawed goat, vegetable-tanned goatskin or velvet. Colors will vary.