Old books

**edyzmedieval** · 03-13-2006, 12:30

I've been interested in old books for much time.

So, in the ancient times, how did the books look like and what did they contain? The same applies for Medieval times. I saw some old books in antique bookshops, and I'm really interested.

They looked so old, but so cool. Really. Imagine yourself learning slavic or chyrilic, being the only one around able to read what it was written in that old book.

Also, anyone collecting old books from here?
And, where can I find some?

Edyz the Bookmaster

**Banquo's Ghost** · 03-13-2006, 13:03

In ancient times, most books were written by hand onto scrolls of vellum or papyrus - so they looked like rolled up paper. Mediaeval books were also hand-written, but more often bound in the shape we are more familiar with today.

I collect old books, and very rewarding it is too. Most towns and cities have second hand book shops that are very well worth visiting (often) and in the UK and Ireland, you can get information about house clearance sales that often turn up gems.

My oldest book is a 1604 treatise on fencing - although I do have a genuine papyrus from the Middle Kingdom, it is less a book than a section of building plan for a minor temple.

**edyzmedieval** · 03-13-2006, 13:09

My godfather is French, and he has a book from the 17th century in latin about religion or something. Really wow.

Anyone here have books made by Byzantines?

Oh, Haruchai, I know it's rewarding. Very rewarding.