Video on bibliographic format

Since 1985, the rare book program at the Columbia University School of
Library Service has been active in producing videotapes on rare book-
and conservation-related subjects (From Punch to Printing Type [1985],
How To Operate a Book [1986], &c.). The latest in this series is "THE
ANATOMY OF A BOOK: FORMAT IN THE HAND-PRESS PERIOD," the first in a
projected pair of videotapes dealing with format and collation in the
hand-press period. FORMAT IN THE HAND-PRESS PERIOD concentrates on
bibliographical format (its sequel, THE COLLATION OF BOOKS PRODUCED
DURING THE HAND-PRESS PERIOD) will deal with the determination and
recording of bibliographical collations).

FORMAT is intended for use by those who find themselves needing to know
something about the physical construction of pre-1800 printed books. Its
basic message (the relationship between the unfolded sheet and the
leaves which result as the result of various post-printing folds) is a
familiar one to conservators, but the videotape may be of use in
explaining the physical makeup of books produced during the hand-press
period to preservation department staffs.

The videotape is accompanied by a workbook containing the text of the
presentation, a glossary of terms, and a list for further reading; it is
also accompanied by several sets of full-size facsimiles of some of the
printed sheets used in the videotape to demonstrate folio, quarto,
octavo, and duodecimo formats.

FORMAT IN THE HAND-PRESS PERIOD was written by Terry Belanger and
directed by Peter Herdrich. It has profited from TB's years of teaching
the principles of format and collation at the Columbia University School
of Library Service, both in master's level courses in the rare book
programs of the School and during the School's annual summer institute,
Rare Book School. FORMAT also relies on Peter Herdrich's expertise in
videotaping bibliographical subjects: he was the director both of FROM
PUNCH TO PRINTING TYPE and HOW TO OPERATE A BOOK.

G. Thomas Tanselle says of FORMAT IN THE HAND-PRESS PERIOD, "This
competently-made videotape will be a useful teaching tool.... There is
nothing else like it available." The videotape is the joint production
of Viking Productions and of the Book Arts Press; copies may be ordered
from Viking Productions, 446 West 47th Street, NY NY 10036. The cost of
the videotape, workbook, and facsimiles is $275.

-tb

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                  Conservation DistList Instance 5:24
                 Distributed: Sunday, October 20, 1991
                        Message Id: cdl-5-24-003
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