Thomas Berthelet, Royal Printer and Bookbinder to Henry VIII., King of England

Delve into the world of Tudor craftsmanship as this study follows the rise of English bookbinding from medieval monastic workshops to the bustling workshops of the early printing press. The first part frames the evolution of binding styles, material choices, and the shifting roles of artisans, setting the scene for the emergence of a new professional class that combined the skills of scribes, goldsmiths, and leatherworkers.

The heart of the work surveys the surviving bindings of Thomas Berthelet, the royal printer and bookbinder to Henry VIII, offering detailed descriptions of dozens of exquisite examples—from calf‑skin covers for royal editions to richly embroidered satin volumes. Illustrated plates accompany the narrative, revealing the decorative motifs, device engravings, and personalized touches that marked the king’s library. Listeners will come away with a vivid picture of how these objects blended utility and status in a transformative era for English books.