The Craft of Bookbinding

Most book lovers are familiar with the frustration of having a treasured book fall apart from age or use or both. Now the solution is at hand in this modestly priced, step-by-step guide to the craft of hand bookbinding. With this book, you'll learn how to restore not only ailing hardcovers, but paperbacks, periodicals, and other materials as well.

Profusely illustrated with over 250 photos and drawings by the author, the clear, concise text gives details of book sewing of all types -- antique, flexible, outside cords, lockstitch, whipstitch, and more, as well as the modern practice of perfect binding in which the bound book is composed of single sheets. You'll also learn how to make endpapers, attach headbands, case in, and cover with book cloth, buckram, artificial leather, and other materials. Finally, Mr. Banister offers clear instructions for adding titling and decoration with gold leaf, gold and metal foils, and printed labels.

In short, this expert guide will teach you everything you need to know about bookbinding -- even how to build your own book press and other equipment. An updated list of suppliers will help you locate any other materials you may need.