TGIF: the art of the book
Here's a great way to enjoy books, without having to actually read them. It's perfect for SAHMs, book bloggers and anyone else who doesn't have enough time to read.
This site explains the art, called fore-edge painting, and includes some amazing videos. Put simply, it involves painting the edges of a book's pages, so an image emerges when the pages are fanned out.
In reality, it's much more complicated. (Isn't everything in life?) There are interesting variations such as the two-way double and split double. I promise you'll never look at a book the same way again.
p.s. This has little to do with books, but everything to do with TGIF. If you're a Sound of Music fan, or just need cheering up, check out this video recommended by my daughter.
Comments
What a fun video! Thanks to your daughter!
Posted by: rhapsodyinbooks | May 14, 2009 8:46 PM
Yes, it is a terrific video. I DO need to be cheered up. I'm thinking about the fact that the text-to-speech function has been removed from about 40 Kindle books this week, and I feel so badly for blind people who won't have access to these books and the many more to come. It's so sad. I feel like civilization is taking a step backwards. Oh, I think I'll just watch that video again. I love that image of a group of people creating something beautiful and having so much fun! Thanks to Dave's daughter for spreading the word to us.
Posted by: Gail Farrelly | May 14, 2009 10:54 PM
thanks for these fun links, Dave!
I wonder if I can use "fore-edge" in a Scrabble game?!
Posted by: Dawn - She Is Too Fond Of Books | May 15, 2009 3:55 PM
There was an exhibition of wonderful bindings and fore-edge paintings at the George Peabody Library recently--great stuff!
Posted by: Dahlink | May 16, 2009 11:09 AM