The Technique of Islamic Bookbinding
Methods, Materials and Regional Varieties
By: Karin Scheper
About This Book
The Technique of Islamic Bookbinding is the first monograph dedicated to the technical development of the bookbinding tradition in the Islamic world. Based on an assessment of the extensive oriental collections in the Leiden University Library, the various sewing techniques, constructions and the application of covering materials are described in great detail. A comparative analysis of the historic treatises on bookbinding provides further insight into the actual making of the Islamic book. In addition, it is demonstrated that variations in time and place can be established with the help of distinctive material characteristics. Karin Scheper’s work refutes the perception of Islamic bookbinding as a weak structure, which has generally but erroneously been typified as a case-binding. Instead, the author argues how diverse methods were used to create sound structures, thus fundamentally challenging our understanding of the Islamic bookbinding practice. Karin Scheper has been awarded the De La Court Award 2016 by The Royal Netherlands Academy of Arts and Sciences for her study of the bookbinding tradition in the Islamic world.
AI Overview
"The Technique of Islamic Bookbinding: Methods, Materials and Regional Varieties" by Karin Scheper is a comprehensive study on the techniques, materials, and regional variations of Islamic bookbinding. Here is a detailed overview of the book:
Key Themes
Methods and Materials:
- The book delves into the various methods and materials used in Islamic bookbinding, including the use of leather, textiles, and other materials for spine-lining and endbands.
- It discusses the different sewing techniques, such as link-stitch sewing on two, three, four, or five stations, and the use of unsupported sewing structures.
Regional Varieties:
- Scheper explores the regional differences in Islamic bookbinding traditions, including those from the Islamic East (Mashriq), Islamic West (Maghreb), and Persian and Ottoman Turkish areas.
- The book highlights the consistency of the Islamic bookmaking tradition, which has not seen the structural changes typical of Western bookbinding since the advent of the printing press.
Historical Context:
- The study provides historical context, noting that most Islamic manuscripts studied belong to Western institutions and have often been severely damaged or fragmented, leading to misunderstandings about their binding structures.
- It emphasizes the importance of preserving the traditional structure of Islamic bindings to maintain their authenticity.
Conservation and Restoration:
- Scheper discusses the challenges and best practices in conserving and restoring Islamic manuscripts, highlighting the need to avoid interventions that obscure the historic repair and material characteristics of the manuscripts.
Plot Summary
The book is structured around the various aspects of Islamic bookbinding, including:
- Introduction: An overview of the bookbinding process in Islamic contexts, including the terms used in different regions (tajlīd, tasfīr, and taṣḥīf).
- Methods and Materials: Detailed descriptions of the materials and techniques used in Islamic bookbinding, such as link-stitch sewing and the use of endbands.
- Regional Varieties: A comparative analysis of bookbinding practices across different regions, highlighting regional differences and consistencies.
- Historical Context and Conservation: Discussions on the historical context of Islamic manuscripts, the challenges of conservation, and best practices for preserving these artifacts.
Critical Reception
While specific reviews of the book are not provided in the sources, the book has been recognized for its comprehensive and detailed approach to Islamic bookbinding. It has been cited in various academic works as a seminal study in the field of codicology and book history, particularly in the context of Muslim societies.
Karin Scheper's work has been influential in adjusting perceptions about Islamic manuscript structures and has contributed significantly to the understanding of the social and material aspects of manuscripts in Muslim societies. The book serves as a foundational text for scholars and conservators working with Islamic manuscripts, emphasizing the importance of preserving their traditional structures and materials to maintain their historical integrity.