Making Books: A Guide to Creating Handcrafted Books

by London Centre for Book Arts

From the London Centre for Books Arts, the internationally recognized, artistrun, open-access studio at the forefront of the book-craft community, comes this definitive manual for creating hand-bound books. Making Books: A Guide to Creating Handcrafted Books offers beginners and advanced artists alike a comprehensive overview of the tools, principles, and techniques used in hand bookbinding. Through hundreds of vibrant photographs and clear illustrations showing step-by-step instructions, Making Books leads readers through six bookbinding projects, from pamphlets and concertinas to multisection case bindings, for aspiring binders to learn and master.

Genres: Nonfiction, Crafts, Design, Art, Reference, Creative

192 pages, Hardcover

First published August 3, 2017

Reviews

[Simon Fletcher · Rating 4 out of 5]

The last book of the year finished on the last day of the year. I kind of like the symmetry of that.
I have been wanting to do a book binding course for a while (let's face it I read so many of the bloody things it would be nice to see how they are made and have a go myself) but hadn't been able to find one near by. 'She who must be obeyed' though managed to track me down a teach yourself kit and this book for Christmas.
This book, by the London Centre for book arts is a fantastic primer for anyone interested in having a go at everything from a basic pamphlet to a full case backed book.
The instructions and pictures are clear and concise and do make you think that it might be possible to actually have a go yourself.
A highly recommended read for anyone interested in having a go themselves or even just interested in how it's done.

[Libby Beyreis · Rating 5 out of 5]

The best book on beginning bookbinding that I've found so far. The language is very clear, there are a lot of projects that progress in skill from one to the next, and the illustrations are a mix of photos and simple line drawings to help communicate the concepts. I'll be working my way through this book over the course of the summer, and I'm looking forward to trying all these forms out! There's nothing in here that is really unusual or wildly difficult, but there are other books out there for advanced bookbinding - this book knows what it's trying to do and does it really well.

[Elizabeth Hodges · Rating 5 out of 5]

A great place to start, and worth buying. YouTube is a wonderful resource, but I really like to have a print reference to hand, and this book serves that purpose exceptionally well. The illustrations and steps are clear and easy to follow. While beginner-oriented, the book also offers enough breadth and depth to allow for a solid understanding of the fundamentals of the craft. The LCBA website is also a treasure trove of inspiration, highly recommend!

[Deb · Rating 4 out of 5]

Bought this book forever ago while in London. It was so well designed and the photos were clear and instructive. I never read it until my current bookbinding renaissance.

Most of it I know. A few bindings I’m going to try. Would totally recommend for beginner bookbinders.

[Michael Arnold · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was fortunate enough to spend a week with the London Center for Book Arts, learning how to bookbind. It was really fun, and we did a lot.

This book has became a reference for me when I try it out at home. it's invaluable, honestly, as I still think of myself as a beginner.

[Esther · Rating 3 out of 5]

Practical bookbinding 101 with clear instructional steps and accompanying photographs. If beginner and curious, it is a perfect introduction to get acquainted with the basic book formats, tools, paper grains, measurements, techniques.

Most of the introduced book forms are basic common types, eg: pamphlets, concertinas, stab, slimcase, exposed spines (coptic and French link stitches), multi section case bindings.

However, for those expecting more of traditional purist techniques and methods, eg. medieval or traditional fine binding techniques, gilding (reliure et dorure), etc, it’s not here.

[Em · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great books for beginners

Going through this book it has very clear instructions on some basic kinds of bookbinding that can be expanded upon with experience and creativity. Really helpful.

[Nancy Aycock · Rating 4 out of 5]

Nice photos and illustrations along with numbered step-by-step instructions.

[Cathleen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Clear instructions, color photos, a really good how-to book.

[Jason Machinski · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is another one of my goto books for bookbinding it is hip and well put together. I have the digital version and I keep it on my phone. A great handy resource when working on projects.

[Log · Rating 4 out of 5]

A solid reference for beginning bookbinding. While there were a few new tips I picked up along the way, I wish this book went into more detail on advanced topics. (e.g. decorative stitching, making your own bookcloth, coptic stitch, etc) Although, the base foundation is very good so you can figure out all the extras on your own, I guess.

Best projects in here for covering all techniques:
- 3-hole pamphlet
- back-to-back pamphlet
- stab binding with hard cover
- exposed spine link-stitch binding
- flat back case binding

The other projects were kind of unnecessary/redundant, but good to include nonetheless.

[Ellie]

If I can’t count the fanfic I read and bound towards my goodreads goal this year then I will be counting this (which I did read all of)!!

Even as someone who already bound their first book I learnt so much, imo a great intro for anyone who wants to get into bookbinding - I’m so excited to try all the projects described now, I’m thinking a series of binds of famous queer love letters through the ages next 🤩

[dust · Rating 5 out of 5]

Logically laid out and presenting modular groups of steps from simplest (pamphlet) to rounded case (sewn hardback) bindings. Easy to follow and the design is pleasant to look at. This works as a very good 'intro to bookmaking' guide.

[Kate Chaste · Rating 4 out of 5]

Used this book to learn some book binding techniques. the tutorials are well done and simple to understand

[Wendy Lu · Rating 5 out of 5]

been feeling so restless lately

[Ellie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Clear & simple with plenty of useful photos. A good book for beginner bookbinders.

[Margaret · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a great introduction to Bookbinding. If you get the chance to do any of the workshops this book will come to life.

[K. Morral · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a clear, informative guide to book binding/ making with very helpful step by step descriptions and pictures.