Grangerization is a term used to describe the act of adding extra illustrations to a book. The phonetic transcription for this word is /ɡreɪndʒərɪzeɪʃən/, which provides a clear understanding of how to say the word. The word is spelled with a "g," "r," and "a" in the beginning. The "n" and "d" blend together with the "j" sound in the middle. Lastly, the word ends with an "i," "z," "e," "sh," "n" sound, which is pronounced as "uh-shun." Overall, the spelling of the word is straightforward with a clear pronunciation.
Grangerization refers to the practice of customizing or extending a book by adding supplementary material such as illustrations, photographs, or additional pages. The term originated from the English author, James Granger, who in the late 18th century created a collective edition of Biographical History of England, featuring only the portraits of individuals discussed in the book. Since then, the term has come to describe the act of expanding or enhancing a book beyond its original content.
The process of grangerization typically involves inserting extra pages or illustrations into the book, either by gluing or binding them into the existing pages or by loosely inserting them between the pages. These additions can range from simple cut-outs or prints to more elaborate drawings or photographs. Grangerizers often personalize the selection of supplemental material to suit their own interests or to complement the subject matter of the book.
Grangerization is considered a form of bibliophilic pursuit, allowing book owners to create unique and personalized editions of their favorite works. While some view it as an art form, others criticize the practice as an act of defacement, arguing that it alters the original work and compromises its integrity. Nevertheless, grangerization has continued to be practiced by individuals passionate about book collecting, contributing to the diversity and individuality found within various book collections.
The word "grangerization" derives from the name of James Granger, an English clergyman and antiquary who lived in the 18th century. Granger became well-known for his publication titled "A Biographical History of England", first printed in 1769. In this book, Granger compiled a collection of biographies of notable historical figures.
What made Grangerization unique was that it allowed readers to customize their copies of the book by inserting extra plates or illustrations of their own choosing. This practice became known as "grangerization" or "extra-illustrating".
Over time, the term "grangerization" expanded beyond the specific context of James Granger's work and came to represent a more general practice of adding extra images, illustrations, or content to a book, often by means of pasting or inserting them.