Bookbinding for Book Artists

Among its explanation of book binding techniques, it covers specific stitching, and has directions for making archival paste (wheat paste).

The benefit of two expert authors is that whenever they differ in techniques, they describe both and you can choose a method to fit your style.


Hey! Bookbinding Without Tools!!!   January 29, 2002
R. Watts (Lewisville, TX USA)
18 out of 19 found this review helpful

True to the synopsis of this book, it gives full instructions in how to perform bookbinding without any special tools. This book, in spite of avoiding custom tools, gives the best treatment I have seen on techniques for leather binding. It also goes into quite a bit of depth on sewing, knocking down the spine (for rounded spines, folks), repairing old books, hinging techniques, etc. In fact, this is one of my favorite books on bookbinding and I refer to it frequently. Definitely a must have on any serious bookbinder's library shelf.


The Bible re: bookbinding   August 2, 2001
19 out of 19 found this review helpful

This is the one book that all people interested in bookbinding should read. Other books are more colorful and flashy, but Kevin Smiths' Bookbinding for Book Artists is the best book on the fundamentals of bookbinding on the market today. The book is clear, concise, challenging, and creative. A beginner can understand and implement every project described, and Mr. Smith shows you how to make and, as important, how to THINK about making books simply, artfully, and beautifully.


A Really Good Primer for Novices   July 30, 2000
Kristin Aileen Motlagh (Westerville, OH USA)
28 out of 28 found this review helpful

This book is excellent for a person who is interested in learning more about bookbinding, but has no practical experience. You will learn the techniques of two well-known masters of the trade, and you can do it with common household items. It requires no special tools or equipment. Also, the diagrams provided are extremely useful in illustrating each step of a particular activity. I personally was amazed at how much I could do without special equipment. This book is for people who would really like to learn more about the art of bookbinding and perhaps continue with it as a career. You will learn the terminology. You will learn how to sew or paste book bindings. You will learn how to use cloth and leather to cover your books.