Leather bound Books : A Rich History

Introduction

Leather bound books have been a long standing tradition in the world of literature. Withstanding the test of time, genuine leather covers have conserved much of their works within a protective layer.

Let us take a look at the history of binding books with leather, and how that has shaped the landscape of modern literature.

The Origins of Leather Bound Books

Leather bound books have been a staple of a literature form long gone. The Nag Hammadi Library, thirteen Coptic papyrus works from the 13th and 14th century, are some of the oldest leather books known to date.

From the 15th century upwards, books were then bound in a hard cover, with leather used as the outside protective portion.

The Aesthetic Appeal of Genuine Leather Covers

Books that are leather bound have been having a sort of resurgence in recent years.

The smell of the leather, the aesthetic matching of the printed endpapers to the color pallete of the leather, and the rise of digital e-books are all contributing factors in the pursuit of leather bound classics.

Smaller factors such as ribbon bookmarks and matching leather sets also have a huge appeal with collectors. Ribbon bookmarks also add a visual flare to leather bound classics that vintage hunters look for.

Custom made printed endpapers have added value to leather bound classics. A resurgence of vintage collectables are reminiscent of a time long past.

Leather Bound Classics in the Modern Age

In an ever-growing digital age, there are still a few options to purchase books that are leather bound.

Retail books departments such as Barnes & Noble, Inc., a New York company, and Easton Press of Connecticut are a great source for all your leather bound needs.

You no longer have to be a resident of New York City or Norwalk, as both companies are now industry giants in the global online market.

Another option is seeking out your local mom & pop shop, and inquiring about leather bound literature.

Conclusion

Leather bound classics are in a category of their own when it comes to preserving a by-gone era.

While there are many examples of appreciating the past, to remove leather bound books from the cultural zeitgeist will be doing a disservice to the many wonderful experiences preserved within their spines.

Keep the spirit of past writers alive, and grab yourself a leather bound classic today!