Girdle book

A rare example of mediaeval book art is the precious “girdle book” that belonged to the Nuremberger Hieronymus Kress. Valuable leather bindings are an indication of the significance books held in private households in the late Middle Ages. The “girdle book” also provides an insight into an unusual binding technique from the 14th century that enabled books to be carried comfortably in a kind of pouch that protected them and ensured they were always to hand. Only 25 of these special books still exist worldwide.