These plain paper note books are bound in a style known as 'limp vellum binding' which was a common method of binding for cheap and temporary bindings used in the 16th and 17th centuries. Vellum bound books where used for all sorts of note books, account book. receipt books and ledgers etc. Printed books where often sold by printers in a temporary vellum binding which could then taken to a bookbinder to have the books bound in leather. The sections of paper are sewn together onto leather thongs which are then laced into the vellum cover. They can have leather ties or buttons to keep them closed.. The paper is a high quality laid paper with no water marks.