History of the Book

An excellent, well illustrated historical survey of bookbinding in the West. The accompanying DVD-ROM contains hundreds of additional images. The book is kept in the library's conservation lab, but it does circulate, so please don't be shy to ask for it at the circulation desk.

The definitive guide the history, styles, and structures of medieval bookbinding.

Kept in the conservation lab, but don't be afraid to ask for it at the Circulation Desk. Library has v. 1 only.
Also a copy available in Special Collections.
Both volumes available electronically: http://catalog.lib.msu.edu/record=b7426950~S39a

Perhaps the best introduction to medieval manuscripts available in the English language.

A very broad illustrated view of the major scripts used in the West through 1600.

The classic introduction to the history of paper. While this book is kept in the library's conservation lab, it does circulate, so please don't be shy to ask for it at the circulation desk.

This semi-annual magazine publishes articles on all aspects of handmade paper -- from art and craft to history and reference.
Every two years, Hand Papermaking also issues a portfolio of samples of handmade paper. Searching for "Hand papermaking portfolio series" in the online catalog will locate these for you.

A reprint of Moxon's 1683 printer's manual, accompanied by scholarly commentary. The go-to primary source for details on how books were produced during the hand-press period.

First published in 1755, Smith's printer's manual is the first frequently cited manual to succeed Moxon. Also available electronically.

First published in 1808, Stower is the last of the frequently consulted printers' manuals of the hand-press period.

The standard handbook to investigating the provenance of books.

A directory of alumni of Oxford University, 1715-1886. Also available in print in the library.