This catalogue is published in conjunction with the exhibition The Codex and Crafts in Late Antiquity held at Bard Graduate Center Gallery February 23-July 8, 2018. Includes bibliographical references and index.
Contents:
The innovation of the codex in late antiquity -- The wooden tablet codex -- The single gathering codex -- The multigathering codex : an introduction -- Sewing the gatherings -- Boards and their attachment -- Spine linings -- Endbands -- Covers and their decoration -- Fastenings -- Bookmarks and board corner straps.
Summary:
"The transition from roll to codex as the standard format of the book is one of the most culturally significant innovations of Late Antiquity. The Codex and Crafts in Late Antiquity examines surviving evidence in order to better understand how this transition took place. Placing the codex into the general cultural, religious, and technological context of Late Antiquity, the book examines the major types of codices--the wooden tablet codex, the single-quire codex and the multi-quire codex--in all their structural, technical, and decorative features. Georgios Boudalis argues that the codex was not an ingenious invention but rather an innovation that evolved using techniques already widely employed by artisans and craftspeople in the creation of everyday items such as socks, shoes, and baskets, revealing that the codex was a fascinating, yet practical, development"-- Provided by publisher.
This resource is supported by the Institute of Museum and Library Services under the provisions of the Library Services and Technology Act as administered by State Library of Iowa.