Manuscript Preservation by Harriet Bookman

Manuscript Preservation addresses the critical need to protect historical documents from decay. It serves as a guide, targeting a broad audience from historians to archivists, by detailing methods and principles for preserving manuscripts. The book emphasizes understanding factors that degrade manuscripts, such as humidity and pests, noting that preventive conservation is the most sustainable approach. For instance, proper shelving and climate control are vital for archival storage.

The book progresses from understanding manuscript vulnerabilities to implementing preventive measures and, finally, to executing active preservation treatments. It offers practical steps for creating stable storage environments and explores repair techniques like paper mending. Ethical considerations are central, guiding the selection of treatments and ensuring long-term stability. This approach ensures that even when manuscripts are damaged, interventions are carefully considered.

What makes this book unique is its practical, accessible guidance, avoiding jargon while grounding information in scientific principles. Real-world examples illustrate key concepts, making it valuable for anyone responsible for historical document preservation, whether in institutions or private homes.