Foliant

A 'foliant' refers to a large, often elaborately bound book, typically made of a folded sheet of paper, forming two leaves. These books were traditionally used for important documents, religious texts, or illuminated manuscripts, reflecting a high degree of craftsmanship and value. The term implies a book of significant size and often of considerable historical or artistic significance. Foliants are not defined by a specific page count but generally consist of pages that are at least 15 inches or 38 centimeters in height. Their size made them prestigious items often housed in libraries or private collections.

Foliant meaning with examples

• The antiquarian carefully dusted the leather-bound foliant, its gilded edges gleaming in the sunlight. Its thick parchment pages whispered stories of forgotten kings. He spent hours deciphering the intricate calligraphy within, eager to unlock secrets hidden for centuries. The weight of the foliant in his hands reminded him of its value, its historical gravitas. The book represented years of effort and preservation.
• During his visit to the Vatican library, the historian was awestruck by the collection of ancient foliants. The size of the volumes was immense, dwarfing his small travel bag. He gently handled the delicate pages of one particular foliant, observing the vibrant illustrations and meticulous script. He hoped the foliant would provide clues to the lost origins of several art movements, of which he was a big fan.
• The university's special collections department curated an exhibit featuring several rare foliants, demonstrating their historical evolution. The students were captivated by the artistry in the books, learning how they were made and how their covers were made. The exhibit highlighted the significance of foliants as repositories of knowledge and objects of enduring beauty. They were also used to showcase many different artistic mediums.
• The treasure hunter sought the 'Book of Shadows,' a legendary foliant rumored to contain ancient spells. He pursued this elusive book, for many years, tracking it through perilous landscapes and dangerous individuals. He believed that the foliant held the key to unlocking untold power. The cover, in his mind's eye, had a unique emblem that no other book had.
• The auction house presented a magnificent foliant, its pages displaying botanical illustrations and exquisite calligraphy. The auctioneer spoke of the rarity and provenance of the foliant, mentioning its documented history with wealthy nobility and wealthy families. The bidding started high, reflecting the book's value and exclusivity. The buyer took away more than just a book; he took away a piece of the past.