* Papyrus: This was the most common material used in ancient Egypt and the ancient world. It was made from the pith of the papyrus plant, which was sliced into thin strips, layered, and pressed together. Papyrus was relatively inexpensive and easy to produce, but it was fragile and susceptible to damage from moisture and insects.
* Parchment: This was made from the skins of sheep, goats, or other animals. The skins were scraped, stretched, and dried to create a smooth, durable surface. Parchment was more expensive than papyrus, but it was also more durable. Parchment was often used for important documents and books.
* Vellum: This was a finer quality of parchment made from the skins of young calves. It was even smoother and more durable than regular parchment, making it ideal for high-quality manuscripts and illuminated books.
Other materials used for book pages prior to 1400 include:
* Silk: This was sometimes used in China for luxury books.
* Leaves: Some ancient cultures used palm leaves or other leaves as writing surfaces.
* Pottery: Clay tablets were used in ancient Mesopotamia and other regions for writing.
The invention of the printing press in the 15th century revolutionized book production and made paper the standard material for book pages. Paper was cheaper and easier to produce than parchment or vellum, allowing books to be printed in larger quantities and become more accessible to the public.