Pronunciation: [ɡɹˌe͡ɪnd͡ʒəɹa͡ɪzˈe͡ɪʃən] (IPA) 
Grangerisation is a word that describes the act of adding illustrations to a text, specifically a book. The word is spelled with an "s" in the middle, rather than a "z," due to its origin from the surname Granger. In IPA phonetic transcription, grangerisation is spelled as /ɡreɪndʒəraɪˈzeɪʃən/. The stress is on the second syllable, which is pronounced as "jay" rather than "djay" due to the silent "d" in "dj."
Grangerisation, also known as extra-illustration or scrapbooking, is a unique method of creating a customized book or manuscript by incorporating additional illustrations, prints, and material into its pages. The term originates from the practice popularized by James Granger, an English clergyman, and book collector in the late 18th century.
Grangerisation involves meticulously cutting out printed images, illustrations, maps, autographs, or even entire pages from various sources, such as books, magazines, newspapers, or ephemera, and then adhering or inserting them into the desired book or manuscript. This process aims to enhance the visual content of the original work, providing a personalized and aesthetically appealing rendition.
The additional illustrations in a grangerised book are often relevant to the subject matter of the original text, offering supplementary visual information or enhancing the overall visual appeal of the volume. Grangerisers may also include personal notes or comments, creating a unique piece of personalized literary art. The technique became especially popular during the Victorian era, allowing people to create highly customized and eclectic collections.
Grangerisation can be regarded as a form of artistic expression and a way to celebrate and preserve various visual and written materials in a single volume. It offers a distinct way of interacting with and interpreting literature, history, or any subject matter contained within the original book. Today, grangerised volumes hold both historical and artistic value, providing insights into the tastes, interests, and creativity of the collectors who created them.
The word grangerisation is derived from the name of its originator, James Granger (1723-1776), an English clergyman and biographer. Granger was known for his work A Biographical History of England, from Egbert the Great to the Revolution, published in 1769, which contained blank leaves for the purpose of adding illustrations. The practice of adding illustrations to blank spaces in books became associated with Granger's name, giving rise to the term grangerisation.
