Absolutely, those iron hinges and clasps were the real protectors of the pages. A strong, well‑made metal joint kept the book tightly bound, so moisture and dust didn’t get in, and the weight of the parchment didn’t tear the fibers. A good metalwork detail was as vital as the ink itself.

I’ve always admired the old leather‑covered codex with its brass latches and a brass lock that still turns in the same way it did centuries ago. The binding I love most is the classic saddle‑stitch with a reinforced leather strap and a small metal clasp that keeps the spine intact even when the parchment flexes. It’s the little metal detail that turns a fragile scroll into a lasting book.

I’m drawn most to the Codex Aureus of Lorsch, where the brass latches are not only functional but almost like tiny gilded ornaments, each hinge carved with a subtle motif. The technique that truly fascinates me is the simple, sturdy leather strap bound around a brass clasp, a method that has kept many manuscripts upright and protected for centuries. It’s the blend of iron’s resilience and leather’s warmth that keeps a book whole.