Narrative

String to Morocco

11. Cover design: decoration

The poems of Bernard Barton clearly meant something to somebody; a single-volume book of poetry would be expensive (~5-10s.), and this volume is bound in full calf and intricately decorated. Such upmarket works could be highly prized and socially useful: the value attached may be internal, as in a beloved book; or it may be external, located in the value others attach to the object, as in a mantle or ‘coffee table’ book that reflects the tastes, interests, social position, and economic standing of the owner.