One claim is that it is derived from the Low German term " Booksb�del ", which stands for a small sack used to protect and carry books, in particular prayer books or song books carried on travels ( see girdle books ).
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A list of 150 examples " shows the proportion of representation in painting and in sculpture [ as ] almost equal . " However, only 23 medieval girdle books have survived in their original binding, the oldest datable example being from Kastl, Germany ( ca . 1453 ).
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The project seeks to " [ bring ] the girdle book to the attention of professionals working with books as librarians, curators, teachers, book dealers and collectors, and hand bookbinders, may increase appreciation of a book format, which, though small in size, has some importance, but is now almost forgotten ."
