For The Love of the Binding: Studies in Bookbinding History Presented to Mirjam Foot

Citation

Malcolm Watson, W. (2001), "For The Love of the Binding: Studies in Bookbinding History Presented to Mirjam Foot", Library Review, Vol. 50 No. 5, pp. 260-261. https://doi.org/10.1108/lr.2001.50.5.260.8

It appears only to be necessary to examine the list of contributors to this work to identify the significance of its contribution to the study of the history of bookbinding. Here there is an international array of experts whose work in many cases continues and supplements the work done by Mirjam Foot. There are 26 contributors providing a diversified range of new knowledge as a result of their researches; consequently, this work becomes one which is essential reading, not only for those specifically interested in bookbinding and its history, but for a much wider audience, including all who are concerned with the book, cultural history, book collecting and antiquarian bookselling.

To make clear the significance of this publication, it is necessary to identify briefly its contents. The following topics are included: blind stamped Romanesque binding, mediaeval manuscript material used in twentieth century publications; early printed binding fragments and their use as bibliographical evidence; studies of binding tools; English gold tooling; plaquette and medallion bindings; identification of original Venetian manuscript bindings and sixteenth century French bindings; tacketed bindings; pyxides – storage of irregularly shaped documents; for edge paintings; paper bindings and their influence on modern conservation methods; an autograph album as evidence of the work of an eighteenth century trade binder of the century; Scott bindings; John Whittaker’s Magna Carta printed in gold; signed rolls of the nineteenth century; John Hannett’s Bibliopegia and Inquiry and Salt Brassington’s revision; Benjamin West’s nineteenth century bindings; nineteenth century trade binding in Belgium; W.H. Rogers book cover designs; the work of the late nineteenth and early twentieth century binder, Alfred de Sauty; Dutch clandestine publications; bindings in the Keatley Trust. Finally, it is refreshing to note the contribution which clearly indicates that “Traditional methods of forwarding and finishing must be examined, tested, reinterpreted and pushed forward so that the craft does not become moribund”. This last contribution, in discussing a 1985 Jean de Gonet binding in the British Library, is most appropriate, since it is believed that the sentiment expressed reflects that which Mirjam Foot would strongly approve.

Each contribution ends with valuable notes and bibliographic references. Following the main text is “A bibliography of the writings of Mirjam Foot” covering the period 1969‐1999. It reflects the career development of Mrs Foot and the growing concern for conservation which developed during the period. An index follows the bibliography and is divided into three sections, namely, binders, designers, etc.; owners, donors and associated people; places of binding. The book concludes with 42 coloured plates to supplement the black and white illustrations in the text.

This work is elegantly produced, is an excellent contribution to its subject area and hopefully will be purchased by a wide range of relevant libraries and other organisations with an interest in bookbinding. It does appear to be expensive at £90.00 but the physical presentation and intellectual content justify the price.