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Conservation of Books is the highly anticipated reference work on global book structures and their conservation, offering the first modern, comprehensive overview on this subject.
The volume takes an international approach to its subject. Written by over 70 specialists in conservation and conservation science based in 19 countries, its 26 chapters cover traditional book structures from around the world, the materials from which they are made and how they degrade, and how to preserve and conserve them. It also examines the theoretical underpinnings of conservation: what and how to treat, and the ethical, cultural, and economic implications of treatment. Technical drawings and photographs illustrate the structures and treatments examined throughout the book. Ultimately, readers gain an in-depth understanding of the materiality of books in numerous global contexts and reflect on the practical considerations involved in their analysis and treatment.
Conservation of Books is a quintessential reference work for book conservators and anyone working with books, such as collection managers, librarians, curators, dealers, collectors, historians, and related professionals. It is also an indispensable text for students to complement hands-on training in this field.
1 Introduction, Abigail Bainbridge
Section 1: Book Structure and History
2 The Birth of the Codex
3 Eastern Mediterranean Bindings
4 South-Asian Bindings
5 East-Asian Bindings
6 Southeast Asian Bindings
7 European Bindings
8 North American Bindings (Present-day Canada and United States)
9 Latin American Bindings
Section 2: Bookbinding Materials and Their Degradation
10 Introduction to Bookbinding Materials and Their Degradation
11 Materials and Identification
12 The Ten Agents of Deterioration
13 Polymers and Their Degradation
Section 3: Approaches to Conservation
14 Introduction to Approaches to Conservation
15 Decision-making
16 Conservation in Context
17 Previous Treatments
18 Social, Cultural, and Religious Considerations in Conservation Decision-making
Section 4: Preventive Conservation
19 Introduction to Preventive Conservation
20 Boxing, Storage, and Transportation
21 Exhibition of Books
22 Digitisation
Section 5: Techniques of Conservation
23 Introduction to Techniques of Conservation
24 Conservation Documentation
25 Material-based Treatments
26 Structural Repairs
Abigail Bainbridge ACR is a book conservator and Director of Bainbridge Conservation. She has taught extensively on the degree programmes at West Dean College, Camberwell College of Art, and City & Guilds of London Art School. She has an MA in Conservation Studies from West Dean College and a BFA from the Maryland Institute College of Art. Abigail is an Icon accreditation assessor and mentor, sits on the Royal Society of Chemistry's Heritage Science Expert Working Group, and was Treasurer then Chair of the Icon Book & Paper Group for eight years.
