Girdle Bibles
A.D. 13th - 15th century
Facsimiles
Girdle books and Bibles are so named based on the German word guertel, referring to a belt or cincture. This form of bookbinding was popular in Europe from the 13th to the 15th century. The soft leather binding extended from the bottom edge of the book, and the end was tied in a leather knot. These books were predominantly used by itinerant friars or mendicants, who carried the book either by hand or by tucking the knot under the belt or “girdle” of their loose garment. The book hung upside down, and could be swung upwards for easy reading. This utilitarian function allowed for hands-free carrying, and protected the book from the elements. The book within this binding was often a Bible, a missal, or a Book of Hours – manuscript editions and printed volumes.
There are hundreds of artistic representations of girdle books in medieval art, but only 23 such girdle books have survived in these unique bindings. There are two facsimile girdle books in the collection to demonstrate two variations of ancient styles of girdle books. One contains a Latin missal, and the other contains a Latin New Testament.
There are hundreds of artistic representations of girdle books in medieval art, but only 23 such girdle books have survived in these unique bindings. There are two facsimile girdle books in the collection to demonstrate two variations of ancient styles of girdle books. One contains a Latin missal, and the other contains a Latin New Testament.
