Bookbinding, and the Care of Books / A Handbook for Amateurs, Bookbinders & Librarians

Metadata

Gutenberg ID

26672

Title

Bookbinding, and the Care of Books / A Handbook for Amateurs, Bookbinders & Librarians

Language

en

Book source

Project Gutenberg

Description max 80 words

Douglas Cockerell's authoritative handbook defines true bookbinding as an artistic craft where design and workmanship are inseparable. Rejecting the decay of modern, poorly constructed bindings, the text advocates for sound materials, robust construction, and thoughtful decoration. It serves as a practical guide for amateurs and professionals seeking to preserve books and elevate the status of the trade.

Summary up to 500 words

Douglas Cockerell's *Bookbinding, and the Care of Books* establishes a rigorous standard for the craft, arguing that modern methods often sacrifice durability for mere appearance. Published in 1901, the handbook distinguishes between temporary 'casing' and permanent 'binding,' asserting that a true binding must protect the text for generations. Cockerell critiques the prevalent use of hollow backs, excessive paring of leather, and thin cords, noting that these practices cause premature failure. Instead, he advocates for sewing on tapes, utilizing thick leather, and firmly lacing slips into boards to ensure structural integrity. The text provides detailed specifications for library use, balancing cost with longevity. Cockerell outlines four distinct standards: one for books of special value, another for heavy reference volumes, a third for the general run of library books, and a fourth for pamphlets. He emphasizes that valuable books should either be issued in obviously temporary cases or in strong, permanent bindings. The author details the entire process from entering loose sheets to final finishing, including the proper treatment of plates and maps to prevent damage. A significant portion of the work addresses the care of old bindings and the dangers posed by damp, insects, and improper storage conditions. Cockerell insists that ornamentation, such as gold or blind tooling, must arise from good workmanship rather than mechanical application divorced from craft. Through clear instructions and historical context, he aims to restore the craft to a state of artistic respectability and practical reliability, urging binders to select sound materials and methods that honor the longevity of the book itself.

LLM editorial rating

4.2/5

Download URL

https://www.gutenberg.org/ebooks/26672.epub.noimages

Local file path

data/epubs/pg26672.epub

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Categories

• Bookbinding
• Book Conservation