Karen Hanmer, 2015. Originally published 2011. 

The girdle book is a medieval binding structure featuring a long extension of covering material, which could be attached to a traveler’s belt. This material extends from the tail of the book, so the text can be read while the book is still attached to the reader’s belt. The extension often terminates in a decorative knot or hook. The twenty-three extant girdle books date from 1454 to 1579. There are hundreds of representations of these bindings in paintings and other visual arts. 

The book model covered in this detailed, illustrated handout displays many features typical of medieval bindings plus some extras: text block sewn on double supports, wooden boards shaped all around with special attention given to the inside spine edge to match the text block’s natural shoulder, spine linings extend beyond the text block and attach to the inside of the boards, text block laced onto boards and cords pegged in, sewn headbands also laced into the boards, strap and clasp, corner bosses, vellum fore edge markers, Turk’s head knot to finish extension at the binding’s tail.  

Please note that this bound handout with bibliography plus tool and supply list was originally written not to replace but to supplement an in-person workshop demo. 

28 pages. Softcover book measures 8.5x11 inches.

Karen Hanmer is a bookbinder based in Chicago. Karen Hanmer’s artist-made books are physical manifestations of personal essays intertwining history, culture, politics, technology and arid wit. Her Chicago studio practice is unusually varied, including small editions of artists’ books, larger editions of inexpensive multiples, bookbinding instructional materials, and one-of-a-kind design bindings. Hanmer’s work is included in collections ranging from The Getty Museum and the Library of Congress to Yale University and Graceland. She is winner of the Jury Prize for Binding in the 2009 Helen Warren DeGolyer American Bookbinding Competition and is one of only ten graduates of the American Academy of Bookbinding’s Fine Binding program. Hanmer is a leader in the book arts community, having served on the editorial board of The Bonefolder, as Exhibitions Chair for the Guild of Book Workers, and as frequent exhibition curator and juror. She offers workshops and private instruction focusing on a solid foundation in basic binding skills.