Thiadmer Riemersma
asked
Keith Houston:
I have only read the first part of "The Book" yet (on papyrus, parchment & paper). The question I have is: given that the production of the paper in Europe/America was slowed by the shortage of linen rags, why then was the production of linen not upscaled (more flax fields etc.)? It appears to me that new linen is equally good as used rags for paper production. Was new linen simple too expensive?
Keith Houston
Hi Thiadmer - thanks for the question. It's a good one, and I'm not sure what the answer is. Presumably, as you say, to make linen specifically for use in papermaking was too expensive. Alternatively, perhaps there were constraints on flax production to do with farming or lack of a free market. I'm afraid I don't have a concrete answer!
Thanks,
Keith
Thanks,
Keith
More Answered Questions
June Miller
asked
Keith Houston:
As you live in London, I am assuming you are British, and therefore I wonder why you used American spelling in "The Book" (my only quibble with it)? Incidentally, although I have just started to read it (bought after hearing you at Writers' Week in Adelaide), I can see it is going to become one of my cherished possessions. What paper is used in the book? I find myself caressing the pages as I read, they are so sleek!
H Lee
asked
Keith Houston:
I am so completely overwhelmed by the amount of information and knowledge you have. "The Book" seems to cover pretty much everything. What does one have to do to know this much stuff? How did you even begin to write about this? "The Book" is the most precious thing I've ever held in my hand. I am reading it very slowly. Very slowly because I need to. And then I go back a few pages and look at the pictures again.
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