Bookbinding: Its Background and Technique

by Edith Diehl

two volumes

Genres: Nonfiction, Art, History, Crafts, Reference, Books About Books

Hardcover

First published January 1, 1946

Reviews

[Robert Romberger · Rating 4 out of 5]

Bookbinding 1 & 2 in One volume

Historically speaking, this two volume set fares well. Unfortunately, the techniques that are discussed suffer from both time and a lack of clear diagrams. In some instances, I had to look up some of the terms being used as they are no longer referred to as they're used in this book - "tins" and "zincs" for instance were used as cutting surfaces, but modern cutting surfaces are not referred to as these metal surfaces are. Another issue I had was with the editorial comments throughout this book. Claiming that a binding is of an elegant design while another is gaudy without having pictures of them had me confused on more than one occasion. Once past the dated dialogue, I was able to get quite a bit of valuable research and helpful hints that will make my own bindings better.

[Richard Brand · Rating 4 out of 5]

It is a very easy to read, comprehensive discussion of the work of book binders from the beginning of that work until about l945. It was a great read for me as I resume my interest in this hobby.