|Some books, by virtue of their content, are elevated to a position of special cultural significance. For jews and christians, the bible is considered divinely inspired. For muslims, the qur'an records the word of god as communicated directly to muhammad. Most religions preserve sacred scriptures in book or scroll format. These may be sumptuously decorated, using precious materials such as gold leaf, gems, and luxurious leathers and papers. Often such texts are housed in splendid containers, which themselves take on ritual significance.|
The treatment afforded these texts as objects mirrors their special status within the culture. The physical presentation of the text--how it is contained, shaped, illuminated, and inscribed--informs us of the meaning and the power of the written word.
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