Bookbinding in Colonial America was a very different process than making books today. Books were entirely handsewn and had leather or paper covers. The style pictured here, with marbled paper and leather on the spine, was popular beginning around the time of the Revolutionary War.
Using less leather made the books cheaper, enticing more people to buy them. You can see this book at the Salem Museum in their new feature exhibit, “Salem’s Hidden Hero: Andrew Lewis and the Revolutionary War.” Chronicling Lewis’ life and his lynchpin status in the course of the American Revolution, visitors can try on garments, handle tools, and interact with materials resembling those of Revolutionary era Virginia. Visitors interested in books can meet some noteworthy local authors this weekend at the Museum.
The regional writers’ group, Persiflage Writers, will hold its second mass book sale of its authors’ works on Saturday, June 28, from 11am to 1:30pm at the Salem Museum. The sale will feature more than a dozen nationally and regionally important authors, as well as some new and promising writers. The Salem Museum is open Tuesday through Saturday from 10-4 and located at 801 E. Main St.
