The Binding and Preservation of Chinese Double-Leaved Books

Abstract

The Chinese first adopted the flat book format in the tenth century A.D. and the stitched book placed in a cloth-covered case in the sixteenth century. The stitched double-leaved book was the end product of the Chinese bookbinder's effort to preserve the texts of his country's literature. The sheets of print were folded and stitched at the free edges in such a way as to form a fascicle which prevented strain at any particular point along the spine. These light-weight, soft-covered fascicles were contained in paperboard or wooden cases that were easily replaceable when damaged or worn. A number of practices contributed to the preservation of the books, including the use of chemical preservatives and insect repellents, well-planned bookroom arrangements, and skillful techniques employed in their repair. As a result of these sophisticated techniques, the Chinese book produced in the traditional format remains one of the most successfully preserved forms of book in the world.