As the book trade expanded in the early nineteenth century, new technologies and materials began to be used in bookbinding, this included the invention of machine-made bookcloth in the 1820s. This early bookcloth was made from thin cotton or linen, and was coated with a mixture of starch, fillers, and colourants to impart a brilliant eye-catching hue to the covers. This new type of bookcloth was less expensive to use than traditional leather and quickly became the standard for mass-produce...

Welcome and opening remarks from Christine Smith, chair of the Concordia Library Research Forum committee. Recording: https://youtu.be/2YKgLVSJtvQ