“The Second-Hand Binding”

Gallery talk by guest curator and Columbia University graduate student Matthew Gilman, sponsored by Center for the Study of Muslim Societies.

Reproduction technologies, from chromolithography to digitization, have long been heralded as boon as to scholarship in the arts of the book. Nevertheless, bookbinding, especially that from the Muslim world, has remained at the fringes of the field. This talk examines the historical circumstances (such early modern libraries, second-hand book markets, and Orientalist scholarship) which create difficulties for the study of the art. They also, however, will offer an opportunity to reconsider the nature of manuscript culture at large. 

Lecture in conjunction with the exhibition "In the School of Wisdom: Persian Bookbinding, ca. 1575-1890." Talk will be held in Butler 523, followed by a reception for the exhibition in the Kempner Gallery, Rare Book & Manuscript Library (Butler Library, 6th Floor, East).

"In the School of Wisdom: Persian Bookbinding, ca. 1575-1890."   
Exhibit open 10/22/18–3/1/19

Chang Octagon Room, Rare Book & Manuscript Library, Butler Library, 6th Floor, East. 
Free, handicapped accessible, and open to the general public.
Exhibit hours are the same as the RBML service hours.
You must have photo ID to enter the building. Please see Directions for more information.