Beautiful Bookbindings: A Thousand Years of the Bookbinder's Art, by P.J.M. Marks

A Brilliant New Publication by Oak Knoll, Available July 2011

From exquisite medieval bookbindings made of precious metals and jewels to the unique and highly imaginative creations of contemporary bookbinders, in his new publication P.J.M. Marks celebrates over hundred of the most beautiful bookbindings of the last thousand years.

Primarily seen for its practical purpose of protecting the pages of a book, the creative aspects of bookbinding have often been overlooked in history, although it was not only the great aesthete Oscar Wilde who believed that bookbindings are beautiful and artistic in their own wonder. Because covering materials are prone to fading and deterioration, relatively few copies of early bindings have survived, whereas in more recent times ornate bindings have been preserved. P.J.M. Marks pieces together the history of binding and he brings to light some of the finest examples in his richly illustrated book, published by Oak Knoll and available for sale in July 2011. Books bound by some of the greatest artists including Mearne, Padeloup, Payne, Simier, and Cobden-Sanderson are displayed, some of them were once owned by Francis I and Henry II of France, Jean Grolier, Queen Elizabeth I of England and William Morris.

Fully illustrated in colour, “Beautiful Bookbindings” provides a visual overview of the history of this splendid art form and its techniques developed by its most important practitioners.

P.J.M. Marks: Beautiful Bookbindings: A Thousand Years of the Bookbinder's Art

New Castle & London: Oak Knoll Press & The British Library 2011. 190 pp. Hardcover, dust jacket. ($ 49.95)

Available July 2011

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