Bookbinding
Bookbinding is the process of putting a book together. The pages are put inside a book covering, then attached to the spine (closed edge of the book) by sewing or glueing. Bookbinding is an artistic practice from many centuries ago but it has also been industrialized. Bookbinding machines were invented in the 19th century and most books are made in factories by mechanical mass production.
A person who binds books is called a bookbinder. Today, most hand-bound books are specially made, and more expensive than a factory-made book. Bookbinding is a specialized job. Bookbinders must be skilled in measuring, cutting, glueing, leather working, graphic arts, and fabric crafts, among other things.
Bookbinding Media
A traditional bookbinder at work
Early medieval bookcase containing about ten codices depicted in the Codex Amiatinus (c. 700)
9th-century Qur'an in Reza Abbasi Museum
Decorative binding with figurehead of the 12th century manuscript Liber Landavensis
Sammelband of three alchemical treatises, bound in Strasbourg by Samuel Emmel c. 1568, showing metal clasps and leather covering of boards
Marbled book board from a book published in London in 1872
Gilt front cover adorned with walrus ivory on the Horne Book, Denmark, 13th century
Book conservators at the State Library of New South Wales, 1943
Modern paperback spines
