Notational

mythologyofblue:

These marbled paper bindings of books were a popular alternative to the much more expensive, sumptuous leather and half-leather bindings that we today mostly think of when we think of ‘old books’. However, as binding books was expensive, most people used paper bindings or simply didn’t bind the books but kept them in their simple grey covers.

Because they are so frail, books with these magnificently coloured “cheap” bindings are today possibly even rarer and more sought after than their more extravagant cousins in leather.

(Marbled paper bindings, different periods, c. 1600-1830)

(booksnbuildings)