What makes the publication of this book timely and necessary is the apparent need by historians, academics and collectors of antique books for a standardized terminology to describe book fastenings (clasps) and book furnishings. The myriad of expressions currently used for describing book fastenings and furnishings make an effective communication between researchers on the topic virtually impossible. The introduction of a precise, standardized terminology can no longer be avoided. With the publication of this book the author introduces an effective research system and a terminology that will enable the reader to adequately and distinctively describe the various kinds of book fastenings or book furnishings. The terminology is based on the book furnishings' and clasps' different types of construction as well as their different purposes and functionality. The author illustrates this approach with the use of over 140 technical illustrations that clearly and comprehensively explain the various types of book furnishings and clasps. He catalogues book fastenings and furnishings of German, Italian and Dutch backgrounds of periods ranging from the 8th to the 20th century. The extensive study is aided and illustrated by 750 photographs. The utility of this volume is further assisted by the addition of numerous appendices and indices that refer to key phrases and terms in the author's terminology. To avoid confusion, the author's terms are contrasted and compared to common descriptions used in traditional literature and to their Dutch, English, French or Italian equivalents.