by Margit J. Smith

7.375 x 10 inches, 380 pages, set in Adobe Caslon (Oak Knoll Press, 2017).

Between the 14th and 16th centuries a little-known book format, now called the girdle book, was used throughout various European countries. The girdle book is distinguished by a cover that extends beyond the limits of the book itself and may end in a knot, hook or ring, or may be left ungathered. By this extension the book was hung from the belt with its head down, so when swung up it could be read without detaching it from the belt.

Praise:

“My copy was here when we returned from Portland and I am absolutely delighted with the way you made it turned out. I was also very pleased to see you being given credit for designing and typesetting it. Sincerely, Margit” [the author]

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“The book arrived yesterday. Wow. I'm plunging in tonight, but I had to tell you how much I enjoy the book's sleek and elegant presentation. It feels as good in the hand as it looks to the eye. The book design is a delight — it draws my eye from one beautiful image to an eye-catching piece of text so much so that I want to read every page simultaneously. I love everything about it. Scott Vile has designed a wonderful book.”
— Pat Sweet, Bo Press

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“Production values for The Medieval Girdle Book are high in terms of design, typography, and printing., with the glossy paper letting the more than 290 photographs stand out.”
— Peter D. Verheyen, review in The Papers of the Bibliographical Society of America