Folding books

There are many different types of books that have folding mechanisms. This image is of Captain Thomas James' voyage and has a fold-out section of a map. This format allowed him to include detailed information about the route of his voyage without detracting from the log.

Many of the Oriental books at The British Library are folding books. The pages are attached along the length and unfold so that the book can be read as a long strip. Many of the designs are concertina or zigzag and some of the sacred texts from eastern religions such as Taoism or Buddhism are displayed in this way.

Folded sections within a book are not only unusual in appearance but also allow for a more creative and interesting presentation of text or images.

These types of book encourage children to realise that, in the publication process, the illustrations, text, layout and design of a book or map have equal importance. Making an illustrated map or a folding book will develop understanding of the writing process. It will demonstrate that all aspects of book making need to be evaluated and thought about in detail. The activities suggested in this topic will encourage the children to think about displaying their work.

Activity 1
Make a folding book