The British Library Guide To Bookbinding

An introduction to the history and techniques of bookbinding that offers a thorough and accessible historical overview of techniques and processes, illustrated with examples, diagrams, and photographs of craftspeople at work.

An introduction to the history and techniques of writing that offers a thorough and accessible historical overview of techniques and processes, illustrated with examples, diagrams, and photographs of crafts people at work.

An introduction to the history and techniques of manuscript illumination that offers a thorough and accessible historical overview of techniques and processes, illustrated with examples, diagrams, and photographs of craftspeople at work.

The craft of bookbinding has a long history and tradition. It has developed through the ages and is now enjoying a period of renewed popularity and creativity. Whether you are a beginner or an established bookbinder wishing to refresh your memory, this practical book introduces the techniques with step-by-step instructions and photographs. It explains how to transform a few sheets of paper and some thread into a book to be proud of. For the more experienced, the author also covers how to work with leather to create classic, professional bindings.Topics covered include single-section bindings; paperback and hardback; multi-section bindings; full cloth case, photograph album, quarter leather binding with paper or cloth-covered sides, and wrap-around structure; containers; phase box, slipcase and portfolio case. Lavishly illustrated with over 300 colour photographs.

A richly illustrated look at some of the British Library’s most beautiful books from around the world. For centuries across the world, books have been created as objects of beauty, with bookmakers lavishing great care on their paper, binding materials, illustrations, and lettering. The Book by Design, featuring an array of books from the British Library's collection, focuses on the sensory experience of holding and reading these objects. Each selection represents a specific moment in the development of what we know today as the book—from scrolls and bound illuminated manuscripts to paperbacks and formatted digital information. These range from the seventh century to the present and include examples from China, Japan, Southeast Asia, the Middle East, Europe, and North America, in addition to a look at book traditions in Africa and Oceania. John James Audubon’s Birds of America, the works of Chaucer, Russian Futurist books, limited editions, historic copies of the Qur’an and the Bible, mass-market paperbacks, and more come together to tell the visual, tactile, artistic, and cultural history of books. Expert curators and specialists explore these books from the perspective of design and manufacturing, original art photographs offer vivid representations of their textures and materials, and graphics detail the size and specifications of each book. Offering a wide-ranging look at the creation and use of books, illustrated with hundreds of color images, this volume is itself an object of beauty.

"A complete guide to the process of fine bookbinding, intended for both novice and experienced bookmakers. Guides the user in creating a fine binding fully covered in leather, with leather-jointed endpapers, gilt edges, and leather doublures. Includes close to 300 black-and-white illustrations, four appendices, bibliography and index"--Provided by publisher.