Cracking the Codex: Exploring Medieval Bookbinding Technology Through Experimental Replication

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Document

This thesis explores the technology of medieval bookbinding through the experimental replication of several binding structures. I focus my study on eleventh and twelfth century manuscripts from England, Byzantium, and North Africa in order to understand Romanesque, Byzantine, and Islamic bindings, respectively. Based on descriptions from indirect source material and my own direct observations, I have produced three blank codices in each of the three styles, experiencing firsthand the technical processes required to bind the codex. Based on my personal experience and various historical sources, I ultimately seek to identify, interpret, and compare the functional characteristics and the culturally informed qualities embodied in the medieval binding structure.

    Item Description
    Name(s)
    Thesis advisor: Biddle, Michaelle
    Thesis advisor: Torgerson, Jesse
    Date
    April 15, 2015
    Extent
    200 pages
    Language
    eng
    Genre
    Physical Form
    electronic
    Discipline
    Rights and Use
    In Copyright – Non-Commercial Use Permitted
    Digital Collection
    PID
    ir:451