Creative Bookbinding

Creative Bookbinding

<DIV><P>"Unusually well done and informative." — <I>Lafayette</I> (Indiana) <I>Journal & Courier</I><BR>A book bound by hand can be a work of art in a way that machine-bound books can never be. And in this comprehensive, profusely illustrated guide to hand bookbinding, a noted expert in the field explains the techniques needed to create your own choice specimens of the binder's art. Directed especially toward beginners, <I>Creative Bookbinding</I> shows how this ancient craft offers a satisfying hobby and rewarding aesthetic experience — even for those with little previous knowledge of the craft. As Pauline Johnson states in the Preface: "Even with a limited background of knowledge [the craftsperson] can experience a great deal of enjoyment in binding his own books and building up a distinctive personal library of which he can be proud. Each product can be an artistic creation to be cherished."<BR>Detailed illustrated instructions for achieving such beautiful hand-crafted volumes are presented here in a readable, informal, and easy-to-follow format. After a brief history of printing and binding, the author provides an in-depth discussion of book design — the proportion and size of books, the parts of a book, materials, tools, and equipment needed for book construction ( a list of supply sources is included), and more. Working procedures are clearly explained, progressing from binding simple folders, notepads, folios, pamphlets, and magazines to full-size sewn books with bindings of cloth and leather. You'll also find an indispensable chapter on the preservation and repair of valuable or irreplaceable volumes.<BR>Over 600 photographs and diagrams explain and clarify each step of each process, as well as depicting an abundance of beautiful bindings, both ancient and modern. With this book as a guide, bookbinders at all skill levels can strive to achieve similar magnificent results.<BR></DIV></P>