Some Non‐textual Uses of Books
Rowan Watson
Non-textual uses of books were common in the ancient world. The works Homer, Virgil, or Bible used for divination (sortes) up to seventeenth century and even twentieth. Religious iconography included as symbols, matching modern habits where conscious display specific texts domestic other environments – about person declare political, cultural, ideological loyalties. From eighteenth century, false spines became a standard humorous adjunct library study. Oaths sworn on legal purposes, but kissing them was discontinued Britain by an Act 1909. As physical objects, could be talisman behave agents divine will; from Middle Ages twentieth they publically burned gestures. Many contemporary artists use form book reminder experience ongoing impact Holocaust.