The Art of Bookbinding: The Classic Victorian Handbook

by Joseph William Zaehnsdorf

Hobbyists can learn the art of bookbinding from a renowned Victorian master in a classic that offers expert, easy-to-follow advice on every stage of the craft. The author, whose custom bookbinding has been revered since the nineteenth century, offers step-by-step instructions on every stage of the from folding the leaves and sewing them into signatures to gluing, gilding edges, covering, and finishing. Over 117 woodcuts and lithographs from the original edition illustrate tools and equipment, as well as examples of exquisite binding inlays.
A rare study of a centuries-old art form, The Art of Bookbinding  preserves a precious legacy for binders, book art enthusiasts, and collectors. Among the most respected references available on the techniques of professional bookbinding, its contents capture the essence of superior book production and invoke a renewed appreciation for lasting, quality-made tomes.

224 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1967

About the author

Joseph Zaehnsdorf (27 February 1816 – 7 November 1886), was a bookbinder.

Zaehnsdorf was the son of Gottlieb Zaehnsdorf, of Pesth in Austria-Hungary, where he was born and educated. At the age of fifteen he was apprenticed to Herr Knipe, a bookbinder of Stuttgart, with whom he remained five years, afterwards proceeding to Vienna, where he worked in the shop of Herr Stephan, a bookbinder in a large way of business. He left Vienna about 1836, and successively visited Zürich, Freiburg, Baden-Baden, and Paris.

In 1837 he came to London, and obtained employment in the establishment of Messrs Wesley & Co., Friar Street, Doctors' Commons, for whom he worked three years. He afterwards entered the shop of Mr Mackenzie, a binder of considerable eminence, and there he remained until 1844, when he commenced business on his own account at 2 Wilson Street, removing in 1856 to 30 Brydges Street, Covent Garden, afterwards called 36 Catherine Street. Zaehnsdorf became a naturalised British subject in 1855, and died at 14 York Street, Covent Garden, on 7 December 1886.

Reviews

[Richard Brand · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a very old description of hand binding. It is very complete and very technical. It is sometimes hard to follow the actions that he describes. It would be better to have to read it and then have someone work with you to do what is described. I have taken some courses in bookbinding as a hobby and I found this fun to read, but hard to see what he was telling me. There is a good section on repair and restoration.

[Vince]

This book outlines turn-of-the 19th century bindery practices, many of which are applicable to craft binding today (for example, sewing) but some of which (the use of various solvents) are simply out of the question for safety reasons. This is a good read for those interested in some of the classic techniques although not necessary for someone learning binding.

[Raoul · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good source for understanding old book bindings.

[Robert Poortinga · Rating 5 out of 5]

incredible book, written with perfect language, smooth, informative, not all over the place. Handy, exciting and wants you to understand more about bookbinding.

The gilding part did scare a bit... It is definitely a big art!

[Socorro Mucino · Rating 1 out of 5]

Old info and techniques

Not a contemporary book with up to date methods and materials. Not very helpful for bookbinding for my needs. Thanks.