It’s no secret that the bookbinding industry is seeing a resurgence. With the advent of e-books and digital reading, many people are turning back to physical books. And with the popularity of self-publishing, more and more people are wanting to create their own beautiful books.
If you’re interested in getting into bookbinding, or if you just want to learn more about this ancient art, then you’ve come to the right place.
In this article, we’ll take a look at the history and techniques of bookbinding. We’ll also discuss some of the tools and materials used in this process, as well as how to identify a fine binding.
The Beginnings of Bookbinding.
The earliest known form of bookbinding was used by the Ancient Egyptians. They would cut strips of papyrus and sew them together to create long scrolls. These scrolls were used for religious texts, government records, and other important information. The Papyrus Scrolls were fragile and difficult to store, so they were eventually replaced by codices (books with pages bound together).
The first codices were made of animal skin, which was also sensitive to light and heat. To protect the delicate pages, they were often covered in wax or metal. Eventually, paper was invented and bookbinding began to evolve. Different cultures developed their unique bookbinding techniques, and the eventual invention of the printing press led to mass-produced books.
The Development of Bookbinding.
The history of bookbinding can be traced back to the days of the earliest manuscripts. In those days, books were simply handwritten sheets of papyrus or parchment, which were then rolled up and stored away.
Over time, people began to experiment with different ways of keeping these manuscripts together, and the first bindings were probably nothing more than simple strips of cloth or leather used to tie the scrolls together.
Eventually, people began to sew the scrolls together into what we now know as a codex, or a book with pages that can be turned. The invention of the codex made it possible to store more information in a single book, and it also made it possible to write on both sides of the page, which was not possible with a scroll.
History of Medieval Bookbinding.
During the medieval period, bookbinding was a highly skilled trade that required intricate knowledge and training. Bookbinders were responsible for creating beautiful and durable bindings for books, using a variety of materials and techniques.
Bookbinding was an important part of the medieval book trade, and binders were often commissioned by wealthy patrons to create lavish and expensive bindings. Many of these bindings were made from precious metals and decorated with jewels, enamel, and other embellishments.
Bindings were not only created for function but also for their beauty, and many medieval bookbinders were true artists. Their work was essential in preserving books and ensuring their longevity.
Today, we can still appreciate the skill and artistry of medieval bookbinders through the beautiful and unique bindings they created.
The Renaissance Bookbinder.
During the Renaissance, bookbinding became a highly respected and sought-after craft. Skilled bookbinders were able to create beautiful and intricate bindings that often featured gold leaf and other luxurious materials. Many of the most famous bookbinders of the time came from Italy, where the Renaissance began.
Bookbinding was not only seen as a way to preserve books but also as an art form in its own right. The best bookbinders were able to command high prices for their work. Some even became famous in their own right, with their names appearing on their bindings alongside those of the authors.
One of the most famous bookbinders of the Renaissance was Giovanni Antonio Amadini, who was born in Venice in 1447. Amadini apprenticed with a bookbinder and soon became known for his skill and artistry. He went on to open his own workshop, where he produced some of the most beautiful and elaborate bindings of the time. Amadini’s bindings were often adorned with gold leaf and other precious materials. He also became known for his ability to repair damaged books, which made him even more in demand among wealthy book collectors.
Amadini’s work was so highly respected that he was commissioned to bind several important works, including a copy of the Bible for Pope Julius II. He also created a number of bindings for the Duke of Ferrara, one of the most powerful nobles in Italy. Amadini’s work was not only prized for its beauty but also for its durability. Many of his bindings are still in existence today, a testament to his skill as a bookbinder.
The Modern Bookbinder.
The modern bookbinding industry is a relatively young one, with the first professional bookbinders only appearing in the mid-19th century. However, the craft has since grown into a thriving industry, with binders all over the world working to preserve and protect books of all kinds.
Today, there are two main types of bookbinding: commercial binding and fine binding.
Commercial binding is the most common type of binding, and it involves mass-producing bindings for books that will be sold to the general public.
Fine binding, on the other hand, is a more specialized form of bookbinding that focuses on creating high-quality, handmade bindings for books that are meant to last a lifetime.
Regardless of the type of binding being created, all bookbinders use similar tools and techniques.
Bookbinding Tools.
Bookbinding is an ancient art that has been practiced for centuries. While the tools and techniques have evolved, the basic principles remain the same. Today, bookbinders use a variety of tools to create beautiful and functional books.
Some of the most essential bookbinding tools are adhesives, book boards, book cloth, endpapers, and sewing threads. Adhesives are used to attach the book cloth to the book boards, as well as to attach the endpapers to the book block.
Book boards are stiff sheets of paper or cardboard that provide support for the book block. Book cloth is a type of fabric that is glued to the book boards to create the book cover. Endpapers are used to reinforce the binding at the spine. Sewing threads are used to sew the book block together.
Bookbinding tools have come a long way since the days when binders worked with only their hands and a few simple tools. Today, there is an incredible array of bookbinding supplies available, making it possible for anyone to create professional-looking books at home.
Whether you’re an experienced binder or just getting started, there’s no reason not to give bookbinding a try!
Bookbinding Materials.
Bookbinding is the process of physically assembling a book from an ordered stack of paper sheets that are folded together into sections or sometimes left as a stack of individual sheets. The stack is then bound together along one edge by either sewing with thread through the folds or by a layer of flexible adhesive.
For protection, the bound stack is either wrapped in a flexible cover or attached to stiff boards. Finally, a decorative spine strip adheres to the back cover and a dust jacket may be placed over that. Bookbinding is a specialized craft that employs specific materials and equipment.
Bookbinding materials include book cloth, linen thread, binding board, end papers, adhesives, and glues. Traditionally, bookbinding threads were made of linen because of their strength and flexibility.
However, cotton and polyester threads are now also used. Binding boards are stiff boards that are generally covered in book cloth. They provide support to the spine during sewing and help keep the book’s shape.
End papers are strips of paper that are glued to the inside front and back covers. They protect the book’s covers and provide additional support. Adhesives and glues are used to attach the bookcloth to the cover boards and to adhere the endpapers to the covers.
Bookbinding equipment includes needles, bone folders, awls, thimbles, headbands, and pressing tools. Needles are used for sewing the text block to the spine.
- Bone folders are used to crease paper and book cloth and to press seams open during construction.
- Awls create pilot holes for stitching and perforating paper.
- Thimbles protect fingers while stitching.
- Headbands are strips of book cloth or ribbon that are glued to the spine ends inside the front and back covers.
- Pressing tools are used to apply pressure while gluing and drying binding components.
Bookbinding has been practiced for centuries all over the world using a variety of different materials and equipment. The specific materials and equipment used have often been dictated by local availability or tradition.
Today, there is a wide range of bookbinding materials and equipment available commercially, giving binders greater flexibility in choosing how to construct their books.
How to Identify Fine Bindings.
Fine bookbinding is characterized by high-quality materials and craftsmanship, often resulting in a luxurious and elegant final product. One way to identify a fine binding is by looking for signs of attention to detail and quality materials.
For example, fine bookbindings are often made with full-grain leather that has been carefully tanned and dyed. The spine may be lined with silk or other high-quality fabrics, and the pages may be edged in gold or another metal.
In addition, many fine bindings are signed by the bookbinder, either on a label affixed to the inside front cover or on the first page of the book itself. By taking the time to examine the binding of a book, you can often get an idea of its overall quality.
One of the most distinguishing features of a fine binding is the signature of the binder. This is usually a small, unobtrusive label affixed to the front pastedown or flyleaf, bearing the name and often the address of the binder. The signature may be simply handwritten or printed, but it is more often an embossed or gilt-stamped leather label. Occasionally, a bookbinder’s device will appear instead of a signature label. A signed binding adds both to the beauty and value of a book, and it is one of the first things to look for when assessing a book’s bindings.
Unusual Binding Materials.
Bookbinding is the process of physically assembling a book from an ordered stack of paper sheets that are folded together into sections or sometimes left as a stack of individual sheets. The stack is then bound together along one edge by either sewing with thread through the folds or by a layer of flexible adhesive.
For protection, the bound stack is either wrapped in a flexible cover or attached to stiff boards. Finally, a decorated cover sheet complete with title and author information adheres to the cover board and the book is given any appropriate finishing touches.
There are many unusual binding materials that bookbinders have experimented with over the years, including fish skin, vellum, and even human skin.
In 1455, the first book printed with movable type, The Gutenberg Bible, was bound on wooden boards covered in leather. However, since leather was expensive and not always readily available, bookbinders began experimenting with other materials.
One of the most popular substitutes was fish skin, which was strong, durable, and relatively inexpensive. Fish skin book bindings were especially common in Scandinavia during the 16th and 17th centuries.
Vellum, a type of thick paper made from animal skin, was also used as a binding material during this period. Although it was more expensive than fish skin, vellum allowed for finer detailed tooling on the book’s cover.
Perhaps the most unusual binding material ever used was human skin. A small number of books known as anthropodermic bibliopegy was bound in human skin during the 16th, 17th, and 18th centuries. These books were usually given as gifts to doctors or professors as a sign of respect or admiration. While this practice may seem gruesome to us today, it should be noted that bookbinders often used the skin of criminals or other outcasts who would have otherwise gone to waste.
If you are interested in buying the best selections of papers for bookbinding I would suggest starting with Shepherds (formerly Falkners fine papers).
Where to Buy Fine Bindings?
Locating and building up a collection of fine bindings can be a challenge even to experienced collectors. One popular option is to purchase them from specialist auctions such as Dominic Winters, Christie’s, or Sotheby’s.
These auction houses all have specialist sales at different times of the year and often attract a lot of interest from buyers. It is best to contact each auction’s book department for details and to subscribe to their catalog service.
Another option is to seek out fine bindings in established book markets or book fairs. Nearly every country has its bookseller associations and they can usually give good guidance. The top associations are the ABAA in the US and the ABA in the UK.
There are two more options to purchase fine bindings but they can be challenging as the competition is fierce. The first is online through AbeBooks, Amazone, Biblio, International League of Antiquarian Booksellers (Europe), Alibris, PBFA, etc.
Of course, if you are looking for something unique you could commission a bookbinder to create a custom binding for a particular book.
Whichever route you choose, acquiring fine bindings can be a rewarding experience. Not only will you end up with a beautiful book, but you will also have acquired a piece of functional art that can be enjoyed for many years to come.
Looking After Fine Bindings.
Once you have started collecting fine bindings or purchased a library then it is important to know how to look after your books. The first thing to note is that air-conditioned environments are far from ideal for fine bindings. It is better to have them in a closed cabinet to reduce dusting and slow down the drying-out effect. A small bowl of water in the cabinet can help greatly to increase the humidity levels.
Dusting should be done at least monthly as the fine dust particles can slip down between the pages and cause foxing (brown spots). Just a light dusting is fine.
Leather-bound books actually benefit from being handled. The oils from your skin can help feed the leather and keep it from drying out. For books that are not touched in a 3 to 6 month period, it is best to feed the leather with a hide cream.
There are many products on the market and in my 22 years as a specialist antiquarian leather books dealer I found Connolly Hide Cream to be the best. Many people have suggested other creams and ointments and I would strongly advise avoiding surface treatments like shellac which dries out the leather under the surface.
Conclusion.
Fine bookbinding is an art form that has been around for centuries. While there are several ways to acquire fine bindings, the most common way is to purchase them from specialist auctions or book markets.
If you are looking for something unique, you could commission a bookbinder to create a custom binding for you.
No matter which route you choose, acquiring fine bindings can be a rewarding experience that will give you a beautiful book to enjoy for many years to come.
Sources: Nouvelles THX & PBFA.
Ressources: AAB & Peter Harrington.
*Please note some are affiliate links.
