Historic Ancient Bookbinding: The Nag Hammadi Codex—8 August, 2026 @ 10am to 3pm

Step back in time and explore one of the earliest known bookbinding structures—the Nag Hammadi Codex. Dating to the 3rd–4th century CE, this binding style was discovered in 1945 in Upper Egypt, containing early Christian and Gnostic texts. The Nag Hammadi books are among the oldest surviving codices, representing a transition from scrolls to bound books.

In this class, participants will recreate a historically accurate Nag Hammadi-style codex using traditional materials and techniques. This includes crafting a limp leather cover, assembling single-quire gatherings, and sewing with leather tackets—methods used by ancient scribes to preserve sacred and philosophical texts.

This course is the first in our Historic Bookbinding Certification series, following the evolution of bookbinding through history. No prior experience is required—just a passion for history and craftsmanship!