Collections and Critiques

Books from the libraries of Napoleon, Queen Elizabeth, Madame de Pompadour, and other famous historical figures are included in an exhibit at the Widener Library, showing the development of bookbinding from the time when books first replaced scrolls.

A feature of the exhibit is a section demonstrating modern hand-binding as practiced by the University bindery, which annually covers and repairs thousands of volumes for seventy-two Harvard libraries.

Progress of Binding

Illustrating the gradual progress of bookbinding, the display contains many of the most valued items in the Treasure Room of Widener, including one book studded with gems, early manuscripts with wood-board covers, unique embroidered bindings, and examples of the leather work of some of the greatest early European book designers.

On the cover of an early manuscript book is a heavy chain, with inch-long links, by which the volume was attached to its shelf in the days before printing had made books plentiful. On the other hand, the exhibit shows, when printing was invented, binders thought that manuscripts were useless and often cut up beautifully illuminated pages to make stiffening for bindings.

Aldine Work

Examples are shown of the types of work made famous by the Aldine bindery of Venice which in the 16th century popularized the eastern art of gilding the leather tooling of fine bindings. Also included are examples of the famous geometric style of book decoration fostered by Jean Grolier, French nobleman of the 16th century, whose library of 8,000 volumes was reputed to be the finest private collection of his day. Among the artisans represented are LeGascon, 17th century French binder; and Roger Payne, famous 18th century British book designer.

The work of the Harvard bindery is illustrated through large scale photographs, tools, and volumes at every stage of manufacture, from loose pages to the completed book. There are also examples of modern book designs by R. F. Fiske manager of the Bindery, and F. C. Wiedemann.