The technique of Islamic bookbinding explores the development of the bookbinding tradition in the Islamic world. Based on an assessment of the collections in the University Library Leiden, the... Show moreThe technique of Islamic bookbinding explores the development of the bookbinding tradition in the Islamic world. Based on an assessment of the collections in the University Library Leiden, the various sewing techniques, constructions and the application of covering materials are described in detail. A comparative analysis of the historic treatises on bookbinding provides further insight in the actual making of the Islamic book. Apart from that, it becomes clear that distinctive material characteristics can be indicative for production in a certain period or region. The general perception of Islamic bookbinding as a weak structure best typified as a case-binding is refuted by the findings. Instead, Karin Scheper demonstrates how diverse methods were used to create sound structures, which fundamentally changes our understanding of the Islamic bookbinding practice. Show less
