Bookbinding: Its Background and Technique

I bought this among others for my daughter. She decided that she wanted to get into bookbinding. During the summer, she worked at one of the big libraries in Philadelphis, PA doing for some hands-on learning. Now she is at the MIT library in Cambridge, MA doing the same thing. Nothing like the good old books.

This is a fantastic book for bookbinders and book historians. It is full of very detailed information. A thick read - but very interesting.

This is a paperback compilation of the original two-volume hardcover set by one of the 20th century's foremost bookbinding experts. It covers an enormous range of topics related to bookbinding - papers, end papers, cover materials, print, format, signature and sewing, binding types, slipcovers, inks, design, etc. It covers historical techniques (e.g., sewn-cord raised spines) as well as strictly modern ones (e.g., perfect binding). Much of what I know about physical book quality, I learned from this book. As a result, I do not hesitate, for example, in buying a quality paperback - because I know exactly what a quality paperbook book should be. Conversely, I also don't bother with inferior hardcovers. This thick paperback even takes its own advice regarding quality in that it documents its paper and binding approach. As a result of the care taken in the physical design of the book, it lays flat, has not yellowed, it is easy to read right into the margins, and the binding is intact, though I've owned it for perhaps 20 years. It's still like new. You should also buy this book if you maintain your own books, as it will instruct you in the proper techniques for minor repair as well as restoration. I wouldn't advocate restoring very valuable books at home, but there is much you can do with decent-quality books you wish to keep that need some repair. You might consider this book if you are an author, as it will set you up quite well to discuss details with your publisher. The longevity of your work may literally depend on it. A book about books - a topic any bibliophile should enjoy!

Being a small publisher and bookbinder, I found this book very informative. It covers a wide view of bookbinding going back to the middle ages, right thru the 1950s. Edith Diehl has "been there" and knows all the ins and outs of bookbinding. At first some of the material may seem dated, but this is a manual for restoring books, using the same material and methods of the time period. Anyone who collects books should have this very well written and illustrated manual.