"Bookbinding, and the Care of Books" by Douglas Cockerell is a guide dedicated to the art of bookbinding and proper book care. Here's a breakdown of the key points:
- Focus on Practical Techniques: The book emphasizes practical bookbinding methods achievable by hand with basic tools. It prioritizes techniques proven effective in preserving old books for centuries.
- Not an Exhaustive Guide: Cockerell avoids overwhelming readers with every possible method. Instead, he focuses on reliable techniques suitable for restoring and binding manuscripts and early printed books.
- Drawing Inspiration from the Past: The book emphasizes using traditional bindings as models. Sturdy sewing methods, wooden boards, and clasps are highlighted for their durability.
- Focus on Quality over Speed: The book acknowledges the existence of fast, machine-made casings used for mass-produced books. However, the focus remains on handcrafted bindings offering superior quality and care for valuable books.
- Career Options in Bookbinding: The book explores the possibility of pursuing bookbinding as a profession. Cockerell suggests that high-quality, hand-bound books are likely to be more profitable when crafted by independent binders or small workshops.
Overall, "Bookbinding, and the Care of Books" serves as a valuable resource for those interested in learning traditional bookbinding techniques for restoring and preserving valuable books. It's also helpful for those considering bookbinding as a profession. You can find a free digital copy of the book on Project Gutenberg.
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