Reading in Restraint: The Last Chained Libraries

Before the invention of the printing press books were rare, handmade and treasured as works of art. So chains were attached to the books to prevent theft. A few of these restrained reading collections still exist today, looking much as they did centuries ago.

THE FRANCIS TRIGGE LIBRARY

Grantham, England

BIBLIOTECA MALATESTIANA

Cesena, Italy

WIMBORNE MINISTER

Dorset, England

More: Atlas Obscura

Via: Blort