Exhibit

At the Limits of the Book

Bindings from the Houghton Library Collections
An accordion-style book written in a secret variation of the Batak language.
Batak pustaha, Sumatra, before 1900. Houghton Library.
An unfurled miniature scroll with red backing, with script and portraits of Hindu deities.
Miniature scroll with illustrations of Hindu deities, date unknown. Houghton Library.
A tiny Qur'an with flowers lacqured on the cover held in the palm of a hand.
Qur'an: manuscript. Iran, 19th century. Houghton Library.
A book with a plastic spiral binding with both covers depicting a chthulu, full moon, and the title "Look Behind You!"
Arthur J. Burks, Look Behind You, 1954. SF-309, Houghton Library.
An accordion-style book written in a secret variation of the Batak language. An unfurled miniature scroll with red backing, with script and portraits of Hindu deities. A tiny Qur'an with flowers lacqured on the cover held in the palm of a hand. A book with a plastic spiral binding with both covers depicting a chthulu, full moon, and the title "Look Behind You!"

Sep 5, 2023 through Jan 5, 2024

Open to the public

Location

Edison and Newman Room, Floor 1
Houghton Library
Harvard Yard
Cambridge, MA 02138
See All Hours
Directions to Houghton Library

This exhibition reveals the vast diversity of bookbinding structures, materials, and designs in Houghton Library's collections. From treasure bindings crafted of precious metals to homemade covers stitched together from worn scraps of clothing, these objects tell us about much more than the pages they protect. More than 60 items are on display, comparing and contrasting the ways bindings simultaneously operate as mechanisms, preserve material culture, and enact the artistic vision of their creators.

This exhibition is curated by Molly Schwartzburg, Philip Hofer Curator of Printing and Graphic Arts.

Planning to visit?

Houghton exhibitions are open to all visitors. Please see Harvard Library's Visitor Access Page for the most up-to-date information about visiting the library.

Join us for a tour!

Join exhibition curator Molly Schwartzburg for a special guided tour of At the Limits of the Book. This 45-minute tour will include a discussion of the exhibition's themes, highlights of the items on display, and ample time for participant questions. Follow the links below to register in advance.

Persons with disabilities who would like to request accommodations or have questions about physical access, please contact us.