Author:

Diehl, Edith.

Summary:

Nearly one half of this encyclopedic volume is devoted to an overview of the historical development of bookbinding. The author shows how the codex form of the book became identified with the Christian era, how bookbinding becae a craft and trade in the 15th Century, and how the production and distribution of books shifted from the monasteries and universities to the illustrious printer-publishers of the 15th and 16th Centuries. She describes various bookbinding practices such as sewing, the use of boards and leathers, hand vs machine binding, cased books, etc. The author then guides the reader through more than 400 profusely illustrated pages on the craft of hand bookbinding. She details and illustrates the steps involved in the nearly 30 necessary binding operations. In addition she conveys much useful information on ancillary topics such as fly leaves, materials and repairs. .

Further details:

• Paperback: 428 pages
• Language: English
• Illustrations: Black & White/Line
• ISBN-13: 9780486240206
• Product Dimensions: 20.9 x 13.6 x 3.5 cm

Staff Comments:

Unabridged republication of the original 1946 edition (2 volumes) as a singe volume with corrections made in the 1980s. Both historical survey emphasizing decorated bindings, and eminently practical guide to hand bookbinding. Impressive list of References, selected list of books, detailed glossary and Index.