Visualizing Format

 

The basic paper-folding sequence. Note the direction of the chainlines (vertical or horizontal lines running down a leaf and produced by the impression of metal wires in a paper mould) and the position of the watermark (a paper-maker’s device, unique to each tradesman) to determine book format.

A “ladder” of fifteenth-century books in original bindings, arranged by paper sizes (e.g. Royal, Median, Chancery) and formats (e.g. folio). See the full description here.

               

The Bologna paper standard stone of 1389, showing Imperial, Royal, Median, and Chancery paper (with their Italian names). See following guide by Donald Farnsworth for more information: Bologna Stone