Pergamenteinband

Pergamenteinband, also known as parchment binding, is a historical bookbinding technique where the covers of a book are made from parchment. This method was prevalent from the medieval period through the early modern era, particularly for manuscripts and early printed books. Parchment, a material made from the skin of animals like sheep, goats, or calves, was chosen for its durability and smooth surface, which was suitable for both writing and illumination.

In a typical pergamenteinband, the parchment is prepared and then cut to form the front and back covers. These covers are then attached to the book block, which consists of folded and sewn quires of paper or vellum. The parchment is often glued directly to underlying boards, typically made of wood, though sometimes the parchment itself forms the sole rigid cover. Decorative elements could be added directly to the parchment surface, such as blind tooling, gilding, or even painting, though less frequently than with leather bindings. Clasps and catches were commonly employed to keep the book tightly closed, preventing the parchment covers from warping due to changes in humidity. While offering excellent protection, pergamenteinband is susceptible to damage from moisture and pests, and the parchment can become brittle with age. Despite these vulnerabilities, many examples of pergamenteinband have survived, offering valuable insights into historical book production and artistry.