C
< A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z
Carolingian:
The Carolingian Empire was established under Charlemagne (742-814) and included much of Northern Europe and Italy. In 800 Charlemagne was named emperor and in 843, his empire was divided into three parts by the Treaty of Verdun. Although Carolingians ruled some areas until the late tenth century, the Ottonian dynasty claimed imperial power in 962.
Charlemagne sought unity and stability throughout his territories. Caroline minuscule was promoted throughout the Empire as a standard script. Many works from antiquity were preserved during this time and there was a revival of classical texts and art.
Catchword:
A word written at the end (mainly in the lower margin) that repeats the first word on the following page. Catchwords provide a method for arranging quires during the binding process.
Chalk:
Chalk served a variety of functions in manuscript production. It was used to prepare the parchment surface; as a component of gesso and other grounds; as a white pigment; as a color modifier for certain organic pigments, and to lighten or increase the opacity of other pigments. Sometimes it was used simply as a drawing medium.
Chant:
A repeated rhythmic phrase that is spoken or sung by a group.
Clasp:
A metal fitting attached to the cover at the fore-edge of a binding. The clasp holds the book shut and helps preserve the parchment. Clasps were popular in the fourteenth century.
Classical:
Of or relating to the ancient Greek or Roman world, especially its literature, art, architecture, and ideals.
Classical Texts:
Literary works of Greek and Roman antiquity. The Carolingian renaissance promoted a revival of these texts.
Clergy:
Ministers or priests that have been ordained in the Christian Church.
Cockled:
A surface which contracts into wrinkles or ridges.
Codex (pl. Codices):
Originating in the first century, the codex (from caudex, the Latin word for tree bark) is a book consisting of folded sheets sewn along one edge.
Codicology:
The study of a book’s physical structure, which promotes an understanding of its production and history.
Collation:
A description of a book's current and original structure, that is, the order of its leaves and quires. Two collations may be given to show differences between a book's current and original structures.
Conjoint leaves:
Conjoint (or conjugate) leaves are two leaves that come from the same bifolium.
Conservation:
The preservation of cultural artifacts for future generations.
Contemporary:
Existing or happening in the same time period.
Cords:
The horizontal supporting bands onto which quires are sewn at the spine of a book. Cords are generally bands of leather (or other materials such as hemp) that present as single or double bands. The ends of the cords are threaded into the boards (see channeling and pegging) and covered with leather. The cords appear as raised bands under the spine.
Curator:
A curator is someone employed by a museum, gallery, or library to study artifacts in the collection and arrange exhibitions.