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Hand Bookbinding: A Manual of Instruction
Before the advent of modern mass-production methods, books were bound by hand to remarkably high standards of quality. Beautiful and durable, they appealed to book lovers who appreciated not only a book's content but also the quality and craftsmanship of its binding. Unfortunately, the introduction of machine-binding methods, while making books widely available at reasonable prices, also largely curtailed the art and craft of making fine books by hand.
This expert guide offers a solution. In its pages, craftspeople can learn the traditional methods of bookbinding and produce high-quality hand-bound books themselves. Thorough, detailed instructions, with over 270 helpful illustrations by the author, cover materials, tools, and equipment (including making your own); fundamental procedures and technical methods; rebinding an old book; making a slipcase, and other essentials. Also included are well-illustrated, step-by-step directions for eight binding dust jacket; blank book, single signature; folio; blank book, four signatures; manuscript binding; music binding; and two more.
Clearly written and easy to follow, this manual will be indispensable to those wishing to create high-quality handcrafted bindings themselves; it will also serve as a valuable reference for students and professionals in publishing and its allied trades.
This expert guide offers a solution. In its pages, craftspeople can learn the traditional methods of bookbinding and produce high-quality hand-bound books themselves. Thorough, detailed instructions, with over 270 helpful illustrations by the author, cover materials, tools, and equipment (including making your own); fundamental procedures and technical methods; rebinding an old book; making a slipcase, and other essentials. Also included are well-illustrated, step-by-step directions for eight binding dust jacket; blank book, single signature; folio; blank book, four signatures; manuscript binding; music binding; and two more.
Clearly written and easy to follow, this manual will be indispensable to those wishing to create high-quality handcrafted bindings themselves; it will also serve as a valuable reference for students and professionals in publishing and its allied trades.
160 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 1962
115 people are currently reading
414 people want to read
About the author
Aldren A. Watson
72 books3 followersAlren Auld Watson was a craftsman and an illustrator. He was married to Nancy Dingman Watson and was the father of Wendy Watson and Clyde Watson.
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Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews
June 9, 2020
Context: I'm a beginner hobbyist bookbinder.
The Good
Author Aldren A. Watson was a professional illustrator and he naturally illustrated this book himself. The illustrations are lovely and I think they are the primary reason to pick up this small book.
Also if someone is completely new to the craft, then most of the "Technical Methods" chapter will still be useful today, even if most of the binding methods are a bit outdated (see below).
The Bad
Most of the methods in the book are very specific and involve a lot of bias toward certain techniques. This book was published in 1986, so that was largely the way of things in crafts like this; you learn how to do things a certain way from your primary instructor. Today, however, crafts like bookbinding benefit greatly from fast discourse provided via the Internet. Once basic competencies are achieved, it becomes simple to pick up more techniques and methods from all over the globe and simply try them out with some basic guidance via email or YouTube video. That is all to say that techniques spread quickly if they are beneficial. Watson did not have that luxury and it dates the book.
Many popular books on the bookbinding craft are dated and that's what gives them their charm. It is interesting to know, for example, what techniques were being used in an 18th century German bindery and then compare that to a similar book from England. But I'm afraid a book from 1986 that doesn't really have any novel methods or techniques just doesn't have much to offer here.
This book does cover the most basic tenets of bookbinding, such as how to fold paper, or spread paste...that combined with the subtitle would certainly suggest that this book is appropriate for beginners. Yet there seems to be a dearth on certain topics absolutely critical to the craft.
A big one off the top of my head is the discussion about paste. He only mentions wheat paste. What? While that is certainly a classic adhesive, the first one any binder should've been learning about - even in 1986 - would be polyvinyl acetate. Or how about starch paste over wheat paste? Understanding the properties of these adhesives is one of the most important things I've done in this hobby, and it was one of my first things I was forced to learn.
Anyhow, I think this book fails a standalone "Manual of Instruction" as the subtitle claims.
Who Should Buy This Book??
I think this book is only for intermediate binders who would like some nice illustrations of things they do in their craft. I think this book is inadequate for beginners, and anyone intermediate or better will likely discard the techniques shown in this book since you will have already learned better alternatives.
The Good
Author Aldren A. Watson was a professional illustrator and he naturally illustrated this book himself. The illustrations are lovely and I think they are the primary reason to pick up this small book.
Also if someone is completely new to the craft, then most of the "Technical Methods" chapter will still be useful today, even if most of the binding methods are a bit outdated (see below).
The Bad
Most of the methods in the book are very specific and involve a lot of bias toward certain techniques. This book was published in 1986, so that was largely the way of things in crafts like this; you learn how to do things a certain way from your primary instructor. Today, however, crafts like bookbinding benefit greatly from fast discourse provided via the Internet. Once basic competencies are achieved, it becomes simple to pick up more techniques and methods from all over the globe and simply try them out with some basic guidance via email or YouTube video. That is all to say that techniques spread quickly if they are beneficial. Watson did not have that luxury and it dates the book.
Many popular books on the bookbinding craft are dated and that's what gives them their charm. It is interesting to know, for example, what techniques were being used in an 18th century German bindery and then compare that to a similar book from England. But I'm afraid a book from 1986 that doesn't really have any novel methods or techniques just doesn't have much to offer here.
This book does cover the most basic tenets of bookbinding, such as how to fold paper, or spread paste...that combined with the subtitle would certainly suggest that this book is appropriate for beginners. Yet there seems to be a dearth on certain topics absolutely critical to the craft.
A big one off the top of my head is the discussion about paste. He only mentions wheat paste. What? While that is certainly a classic adhesive, the first one any binder should've been learning about - even in 1986 - would be polyvinyl acetate. Or how about starch paste over wheat paste? Understanding the properties of these adhesives is one of the most important things I've done in this hobby, and it was one of my first things I was forced to learn.
Anyhow, I think this book fails a standalone "Manual of Instruction" as the subtitle claims.
Who Should Buy This Book??
I think this book is only for intermediate binders who would like some nice illustrations of things they do in their craft. I think this book is inadequate for beginners, and anyone intermediate or better will likely discard the techniques shown in this book since you will have already learned better alternatives.
July 17, 2024
Really helpful and well done illustrations.
September 30, 2008
This book is an excellent resource for beginning bookbinders. It provides a good list of tools and materials, often ranking various options, and the final chapter even shows how to construct various basic tools. Techniques are simply explained and clearly illustrated. Finally, the step-by-step binding projects gives binders great ideas for where to start. The only major flaw is that it details only how to make very plain covers of paper or cloth. Leather covers and any decoration other than paper labels is omitted.
May 25, 2019
An invaluable resource that goes into great detail on bookbinding in a way that is accessible to a single person. Without this, I would never have completed my first ever bookbinding project:
Notable for its roughly 300 detailed illustrations. Will revisit time and time again - especially if I ever decide to get into more fun things, like headbands and slipcases.
Notable for its roughly 300 detailed illustrations. Will revisit time and time again - especially if I ever decide to get into more fun things, like headbands and slipcases.
July 15, 2019
Great book, old, but great! Step by step instructions, tips, and finely drawn illustrations that in many ways out do the photographs that I have seen in many other, newer, books on bookbinding. This is a real keeper. I bought one for my husband too, since we don't share books as nicely as we should sometimes ;)
This is a book that people who want to learn the serious art of bookbinding need to have. It's a permanent addition to my reference shelf.
This is a book that people who want to learn the serious art of bookbinding need to have. It's a permanent addition to my reference shelf.
January 4, 2009
Yes. I am grateful to you, Aldren A. Watson, for writing a books that transforms a passing interest in bookbinding into the desire to actually acquire the skills and knowledge to make books. And thanks too for not expecting me to go buy all the tools and stuff at a craft store - the make-your-own-equipment section at the end is really helpful.
April 2, 2008
Tremendous book. A must have for those in the biz.
February 2, 2009
It seems a little weird to give any kind of star rating to this sober manual that aims to educate the reader about a precise craft. It is brief, which may be its only flaw.
January 21, 2010
This is a very nice book for a person starting to learn bookbinding.
December 4, 2018
Clear instructions.
June 15, 2025
I took a bookbinding class in college and have decided to get back into it, both for practical reasons and for fun. Started getting a few bookbinding books from the library to remember the basics and get back into it.
These are very, very specific instructions, and the book doesn't provide any alternatives for what it teaches here: for example, it only provides information on how to sew bindings with tape, rather than how I initially learned from my teacher relying solely on waxed thread stitching (which I personally prefer) or even mentioning that other techniques are an option.
However! For the techniques that are included, these are incredibly helpful illustrations and guides, and I definitely want to purchase this book as a permanent reference.
These are very, very specific instructions, and the book doesn't provide any alternatives for what it teaches here: for example, it only provides information on how to sew bindings with tape, rather than how I initially learned from my teacher relying solely on waxed thread stitching (which I personally prefer) or even mentioning that other techniques are an option.
However! For the techniques that are included, these are incredibly helpful illustrations and guides, and I definitely want to purchase this book as a permanent reference.
May 6, 2025
I love this little book. I have another book that was published in 1888. It is Fanny Stenhouse's book titled 'The Tyranny of Mormonism or, An Englishwoman in Utah". When it arrived it was in bad condition, but not knowing what to do with it, I carefully read it. Careful was not careful enough. Soon, the cover came off and some of the first pages came out of the binding. With the help of this book I have been able to search out the necessary supplies and--not restore exactly--improve the condition so it may last a few more years.
December 7, 2023
This is a detailed instruction manual for anyone who wants to take bookbinding to a higher level. The diagrams and instructions are clear and easy to follow. For those who are passionate about truly making beautiful books, book covers, and other related creative projects this will be a welcome edition to your bookbinding and artistic journey. Looking forward to doing each of these projects.
July 27, 2022
A hobby I would like to grow into and this book presented the primary tools and skills clearly and simply. The book gives eight binding projects; process for repairing an old book; making slipcase; making tools & equipment, etc.
March 11, 2019
A great reference that I will be keeping handy during future bookbinding projects.
October 10, 2019
Great read about binding books by hand & making the tools nesarry to do the same!
November 27, 2020
Very good book for understanding the basics of bookbinding although I would've liked if leatherbinding was included
May 30, 2021
Great book!
June 17, 2013
Watson führt zunächst kurz in die Geschichte der Schrift, der Papierherstellung und der Anfertigung von Büchern aus Pergament und Papier ein. Die Leser können die historische Entwicklung vom Schreiben auf einer Rolle über das Schreiben in Spalten bis zur Herstellung von Kodices und Büchern verfolgen. Systematisch und sehr ausführlich werden dann die einzelnen buchbinderischen Arbeitsgänge erläutert: Falten der Lagen, Messen und Markieren, Stechen der Heftlöcher, Heften mit Hilfe einer Heftlade, Befestigung der Heftgaze, Anfertigung und Überziehen der Buchdecke, Einhängen des Buchblocks in die Decke. Der Autor lenkt die Aufmerksamkeit seiner Leser auf exaktes Messen und Zuschneiden, exakte rechte Winkel, saubere Verarbeitung gemusterter Papiere, auf Materialeigenschaften und Materialqualität. Watsons bedächtige, genaue Art, jedes Detail und jede Routinetätigkeit ausführlich zu zeigen und zu erklären, überträgt sich auf den Nutzer des Buches. Gerade weil man in den ersten Kapiteln noch kein konkretes Buchbindeprojekt vor Augen hat, konzentriert man sich stark auf die exakt formulierte und mit zahlreichen Abbildungen illustrierte Darstellung der einzelnen Arbeitsschritte. Die Illustrationen zum handgenähten Kapital füllen allein 7 Seiten, das Arbeiten der Buchecken drei Seiten! Die Begründungen des Autors für jeden einzelnen Schritt sind plausibel und auch von Anfängern leicht nachzuvollziehen.
Erst im zweiten Drittel des Buches wird die Anfertigung konkreter Werkstücke erklärt: ein loser Schutzumschlag für Bücher, ein einfaches Heft, eine Sammelmappe, ein Blanco-Buch mit Leinenrücken. Gezeigt wird die Anfertigung einer Lage aus zwei einzelnen DIN A4-Blättern, wie ramponierte Notenhefte repariert und neu geheftet werden können und wie man ein beschädigtes Buch neu binden kann. Sehr ausführlich erklärt Watson die Anfertigung eines Schubers für ein Buch und eines gemeinsamen Schubers für mehrere Bücher. Der Autor arbeitet auch hier gewohnt sorgfältig. Er fertigt zunächst drei einzelne Messlehren für Länge, Breite und Höhe des Buches an, um sicher zu stellen, dass das Buch leicht in den Schuber und wieder hinaus gleitet. Auf den letzten 20 Seiten seines Buches zeigt Watson den Bau von Buchbinderwerkzeugen: zahlreiche Schablonen und Messlehren, eine Heftlade, eine wannenförmige Buchpresse, Hilfsmittel zum Falzen des Papiers, zum Heften des Buchblocks und zum Beziehen der Buchdecke. Da der Autor ein neu angefertigtes Buch zunächst fertig stellt und erst dann den Überzugsstoff auf den Buchdeckel leimt, benötigt er für seinen Arbeitsstil spezielle Werkzeuge - z. B. Faltnadel und Faltstock. Für mich ist diese Arbeitsweise ungewöhnlich, ich würde erst die komplette Decke anfertigen und dann den Buchblock einhängen. Andere von Watson angefertigte Buchbindewerkzeuge bringen selbst altgedienten Hobby-Buchbindern nützliche Anregungen, wie sein rechteckiges Falzbein, das wie die Kreuzung aus Teigschaber und Folier-Rakel aussieht.
Hand Bookbindung ist Lehrbuch und Nachschlagewerk für Hobby-Buchbinder. Es eignet sich hervorragend für Teilnehmer an Buchbinde-Kursen, die das Gelernte gern schwarz auf weiß nachvollziehen möchten. Watsons Bauanleitungen für Werkzeuge und seine 270 sorgfältig gezeichneten Illustrationen regen auch fortgeschrittene Buchbinder zu neuen Projekten an.
Erst im zweiten Drittel des Buches wird die Anfertigung konkreter Werkstücke erklärt: ein loser Schutzumschlag für Bücher, ein einfaches Heft, eine Sammelmappe, ein Blanco-Buch mit Leinenrücken. Gezeigt wird die Anfertigung einer Lage aus zwei einzelnen DIN A4-Blättern, wie ramponierte Notenhefte repariert und neu geheftet werden können und wie man ein beschädigtes Buch neu binden kann. Sehr ausführlich erklärt Watson die Anfertigung eines Schubers für ein Buch und eines gemeinsamen Schubers für mehrere Bücher. Der Autor arbeitet auch hier gewohnt sorgfältig. Er fertigt zunächst drei einzelne Messlehren für Länge, Breite und Höhe des Buches an, um sicher zu stellen, dass das Buch leicht in den Schuber und wieder hinaus gleitet. Auf den letzten 20 Seiten seines Buches zeigt Watson den Bau von Buchbinderwerkzeugen: zahlreiche Schablonen und Messlehren, eine Heftlade, eine wannenförmige Buchpresse, Hilfsmittel zum Falzen des Papiers, zum Heften des Buchblocks und zum Beziehen der Buchdecke. Da der Autor ein neu angefertigtes Buch zunächst fertig stellt und erst dann den Überzugsstoff auf den Buchdeckel leimt, benötigt er für seinen Arbeitsstil spezielle Werkzeuge - z. B. Faltnadel und Faltstock. Für mich ist diese Arbeitsweise ungewöhnlich, ich würde erst die komplette Decke anfertigen und dann den Buchblock einhängen. Andere von Watson angefertigte Buchbindewerkzeuge bringen selbst altgedienten Hobby-Buchbindern nützliche Anregungen, wie sein rechteckiges Falzbein, das wie die Kreuzung aus Teigschaber und Folier-Rakel aussieht.
Hand Bookbindung ist Lehrbuch und Nachschlagewerk für Hobby-Buchbinder. Es eignet sich hervorragend für Teilnehmer an Buchbinde-Kursen, die das Gelernte gern schwarz auf weiß nachvollziehen möchten. Watsons Bauanleitungen für Werkzeuge und seine 270 sorgfältig gezeichneten Illustrationen regen auch fortgeschrittene Buchbinder zu neuen Projekten an.
October 30, 2010
"AH - you're reading that book on bookmaking to see how one PUTS a book together."
"NO - I'm reading this book to see how LANGUAGE puts a book together."
"NO - I'm reading this book to see how LANGUAGE puts a book together."
Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews