This study is based on the investigation and analysis of Žiga Herberstein's book Moskovski zapiski (ang. Notes on Muscovite Affairs, lat. Rerum moscoviticarum commentarii). The aim of this thesis is to investigate and identify the materials and structures present in works printed in the 16th century that are available on Slovenian ground today. The study discusses structural elements, binding techniques, paper and print used in 16th century books. Other objectives are to gain further knowledge about paper in the 16th century and to address the problem of a lack of young professionals with the knowledge and skills needed to work with old books in archives, libraries and similar institutions. This study provides an overview of binding structures and examples from the 16th century. It also contains instructions for the identification and description of classical graphic techniques used for printing of illustra-tions and revision of letterpress printing and papermaking in the said period.
In conclusion, this thesis argues that the selected work corresponds the binding structures and materials used in books from the 16th century, considering that a half of analysed books are in primary binding or half bound. The results suggest that the quality and durability cor-respond to medieval binding techniques. However, one can already notice an influence of more extensive book production and consequently less time-consuming techniques and cost-effective materials amongst the binders of the 16th century. Based on the results of this re-search it is safe to conclude that the assortment of non-invasive research methods used for analysing bound archives is limited. The symbiosis between human sciences and natural sciences is mandatory for successful interpretation of analyses and results.
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