book

A term applied in the Bible to a wide range of writings, but generally to a written document in which events, poems, or prophecies are recorded or in which persons or objects are enumerated. The earliest form of book was the scroll made of either papyrus or animal skins (later vellum or parchment was used). The scroll was made by joining sheets of papyrus or leather together into a continuous strip, which was then rolled. Early in the Christian era, the bulky scrolls were replaced by the codex, composed of single or folded sheets of writing stacked and sewn together in the manner of the modern book.