Bookbinding

Edges of Books examines a familiar form from an unfamiliar perspective. When books are on display it is usually their spines, covers, text, or illustrations that are featured. These are the familiar parts of the books—the parts that modern readers have come to interact with the most. Edges of Books takes a different approach, uncovering a tradition that extends back centuries in which the edges of books were important sites for information and decoration.

In June 2000 the RIT Cary Graphic Arts Collection hosted over 400 guests for a highly successful conference, exhibition, and gala in honor of Bernard C. Middleton's contributions to the art of bookbinding, and RIT's acquisition of Mr. Middleton's outstanding book collection. Some of the world's foremost scholars and bookbinders presented a series of stimulating talks and detailed demonstrations at the event. This publication gathers the content of the six conference lectures into a fine volume with full-color illustrations.

This handsome exhibition catalogue was letterpress-printed to commemorate the Cary Collection’s acquisition of Middleton’s celebrated book collection. It is illustrated with eight color plates and several line block reproductions. The accompanying checklist of forty-eight works includes complete bibliographic notes and text.