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A Token Book

The binding on the token books is  loosely based on a find of thirteen 4th century papyrus codices in Nag Hammadi, Egypt.  The majority of these books had a single quire bound in a stiff leather cover which has been strengthened by a lining of multiple layers of papyrus.  In the majority of these books the upper cover extends around the manuscript creating an envelope like flap to which a wrapping band has been attached.  Codices of the Nag Hammadi  find were found to be bound both by using tackets which passed directly through the cover and with tackets going through a spine strip which was then covered. [1]

The token book consists of a single signature of handmade paper bound in a unreinforced soft leather cover that wraps around and has a wrapping thong closure.   The quire is bound directly to the cover with exposed tackets by making long stitches in a figure eight pattern through three punched holes. 

Our token book measures 3"x4" when closed. Paper for the prototype book was handmade by Bess, Kirk & Victoria de Nevell.  

Below are pictures of the project prototype. 

 

Bibliography

  1. Smith, Keith; "Non-Adhesive Binding; Books without paste or glue"; Keith Smith Books, New York, 1999
  2. Szirmai, J.A.; "The Archeology of Medieval Bookbinding"; Ashgate Publishing Ltd, England, 2001

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