1. Stab-Sewn Vellum-Wrapped Manuscript

Cologne, 13c.
On: Modus poenitendi Peniteas cito.
Written: Cologne, 13c.
British Library, Shelfmark IA4708.

A music manuscript wrapped in binder's waste.

Here we see an example of the earliest 'limp' vellum bindings. A simple wrapper of used parchment over a quire of manuscript material. Such bindings were often also stab-sewn with a single stitch near the spine. Though not an example of the more complex limp-vellum bindings that the exhibit focuses on, it is important to note that such wrapped pamphlets were the precursor of later limp vellum designs and can be found as far back as the earliest codices.