The Art of the Slipcase
The history of the non-attached book cover stretches back to ancient cultures, such as the Sumerians, Greeks and Romans. The desire to protect and keep the written word began with the advent of writing itself.
The four most common types of book cover today are the slipcase, the clam shell, pull off case, and the four-fold wrapper.
The use of protective slipcases extends also to CD’s and DVDs; instead of the more
common jewel cases or DVD keep case, they may be chosen for aesthetic reasons, and also to convey information regarding contents.
On view in the Fine Arts Reading Room through June.
