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Rediscovering Connections

historical binding model, Armenian, by Shanna Leino

In the course of study of prototypes and the construction of binding models a relation between Coptic and Orthodox Church binding structure became evident. In essence there are indications that vestiges of the earlier papyrus book technology were conservatively preserved in spite of the different book making materials used.

Physical characteristics of the cartonnage of papyrus can be associated with mechanical tacketing and sewn edging to toughen and reinforce the laminate and a wrapping textile lining carried over the back of the text folds and carried well onto the cartonnage of the cover. Edging or turn-in of leather sealed the margin of the cartonnage. A prototypical, coreless endbanding carried onto the head and tail edges also exemplifies mechanical margin consolidation. An associated feature of such endbanding is compound, inner and outer covers.

Later Greek and Armenian work with vellum text leaves and wooden board covers, none the less, echoes the devises of the papyrus bookbinding. The atavistic edge grooving in Greek cover boards echoes a compound, double cover. Greek and Armenian work is also remarkable in the elaboration of endbanding carried well onto the head and tail edges of the boards. This feature is accentuated, extending well out of alignment with the profile of the book and certainly also augments the transmission of board leverage to the text leaves. But it should also be considered that this endbanding is a reminder of mechanical reinforcement associated with papyrus cartonnage.

detail, endband of traditional Greek binding, by Shanna Leino

It is also suggested that the great elaboration of gutter margining thread bridles, piercing and crossing over in Greek wooden boards may echo tacket stitch patterns originally used to attach outer and inner, compound cartonnage covers. Subsequently the outer leather turnins were tripped under the pliant cartonnage margins.

Of course the strong linen fabric linings in Eastern Church work, can be associated with papyrus book work and so can the braided foredge ties. (Greek) Leather tooling and decoration completed prior to covering may also echo conventions of the early papyrus book where the cartonnage would have not supported tooling after covering. This sequence is evident in Armenian work with spine rulings that could not be accomplished after covering.

historical binding model, Armenian, by Shanna Leino

Taken together a consideration of relations between papyrus bookbinding and later Eastern Church binding of vellum or paper and wood exemplifies both the conveyance and bridging needed for the application of sewn board technique to the subsequent, distant practice of book conservation.