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Bookbinding: A step-by-step guide
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.
610 pages, Kindle Edition
First published July 9, 2010
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Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews
October 17, 2018
I appreciate that this book focuses on the craft and technical details rather than being crafty or cute.
April 29, 2012
This is a really great guide to book-making--not the artsy-fartsy kind but the technical kind. I got this book from the library to help me with a project for class and I learned a lot while following the directions for Project 2 (single section hard-backed). For one thing, it turns out that I apparently learned a lot of shortcuts when I learned how to make books many years ago--and I have a feeling a lot of those shortcuts probably are the reason why I've always found coptic binding so difficult and finicky. My book is currently setting under a pile of books and a 5 pound container of flour, but I'll find out tomorrow morning if Abbott's instructions yield better results (I have an optimistic feeling that they will).
Most of the instructions are text-based but there are illustrative photos throughout. If you're starting from zero knowledge about bookbinding I imagine this book might be frustrating to use. I did have to refer to other materials I have for things like sewing but overall thought the directions were easy to follow (I read them a few times and then went over them as I completed each step). When it comes to making things, I'm a very visual person and found that it took me a few passes before I could adequately "see" what I was supposed to be doing based on the textual instructions.
This book also really goes all-out with the equipment. If you're not a professional bookbinder, be prepared to make some adjustments. Again, if you're approaching this as a total beginner, the supply lists may look pretty daunting. There are plenty of alternatives, however, and I appreciate the use of technical terminology/professional equipment as it helps solidify those terms in my mind, thus making me all the more fluent in the language of bookbinding (and if that doesn't sound pretentious, I don't know what does).
ETA: My project was a total success :) Loving this book.
Most of the instructions are text-based but there are illustrative photos throughout. If you're starting from zero knowledge about bookbinding I imagine this book might be frustrating to use. I did have to refer to other materials I have for things like sewing but overall thought the directions were easy to follow (I read them a few times and then went over them as I completed each step). When it comes to making things, I'm a very visual person and found that it took me a few passes before I could adequately "see" what I was supposed to be doing based on the textual instructions.
This book also really goes all-out with the equipment. If you're not a professional bookbinder, be prepared to make some adjustments. Again, if you're approaching this as a total beginner, the supply lists may look pretty daunting. There are plenty of alternatives, however, and I appreciate the use of technical terminology/professional equipment as it helps solidify those terms in my mind, thus making me all the more fluent in the language of bookbinding (and if that doesn't sound pretentious, I don't know what does).
ETA: My project was a total success :) Loving this book.
June 8, 2013
This is a very good book to start off with. A few more pictures would have been nice, but her descriptions make up for that. Inclusive materials lists and tool lists are quite nice. The projects in the book are simple and cover single-signature to 3/4 leather binding. You will not be disappointed with this book!
August 11, 2021
Generally a good book for beginners. It was recommended to me by a few professional bookbinders. The only thing that lets it down is the lack of pictures to accompany the detailed written instructions. I am a visual learner and found the written instructions confusing/hard to follow at times, it would have been much better if there were images to show the gist of each step.
December 20, 2024
Reference book now I've read it cover to cover. My only complaint is it isn't longer, but it's the corner stone of my slowly growing collection of books about making books, which I really enjoy doing.
June 1, 2019
Nice step by step guide to making books.
November 29, 2022
Honestly I expected some more simple styles with some less tool oriented methods, but oh well.
October 16, 2025
incredibly thorough.
abbott's precision and attention to detail make a bit of a steep read for an absolute newbie but a reliable guide for practical work.
abbott's precision and attention to detail make a bit of a steep read for an absolute newbie but a reliable guide for practical work.
Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews