Mehrbändigen

Mehrbändigen is a term used in book collecting and library science to describe a work that is published in multiple volumes. This contrasts with a single-volume work or a series, which may contain multiple books but are often published independently and may not be intended to be read as a single cohesive unit. Mehrbändigen works, by their nature, are designed to be read sequentially and are often conceived as a single intellectual creation divided for practical or stylistic reasons.

The decision to publish a work in multiple volumes can be driven by several factors. Length is a primary consideration; a story or treatise that is too extensive for a single binding may be divided into several parts. For encyclopedias, dictionaries, and comprehensive scholarly works, a multi-volume format is often essential for organizing vast amounts of information. Artistic considerations can also play a role, with authors and publishers sometimes opting for a multi-volume structure to allow for a more deliberate pacing of narrative or thematic development. The physical size and weight of a single volume can also influence the decision, making a multi-volume set more manageable for readers.

Collecting mehrbändigen works can present unique challenges and rewards for bibliophiles. Ensuring completeness, for instance, requires acquiring all the individual volumes. The aesthetic appeal of a uniform set, with consistent binding and design across all volumes, is highly valued by many collectors. The historical context of when and how these multi-volume works were produced also adds to their interest, reflecting printing and publishing practices of different eras.