The author, Edward R. Lhotka, shares the leather bookbinding techniques he learned and perfected during his forty-eight years at the R.R. Donnelley and Sons Company's "Extra Bindery" in Chicago. For twelve of these years (1924-1935) Lhotka was an apprentice and journeyman under the tutelage of the master bookbinder, Alfred de Sauty.
This work is an illustrated manual that shows step-by-step the art and science of fine leather bookbinding. The author learned the ancient craft from one of England's foremost binders, Alfred de Sauty. In this informative work, he takes the reader through the intricacies of traditional leather binding. Every step is illustrated, along with a short, clear explanation. To lessen confusion, Lhotka doesn't explain all the different ways a procedure may be done; he concentrates on his way, as taught by de Sauty. Edward Lhotka began bookbinding in 1924 apprenticed to Alfred de Sauty. During the next 48 years, Lhotka rose from journeyman to assistant manager of the fine binding department of the famous R.R. Donnelley & Sons. As a teacher, he has taught hundreds the fine art of hand binding after hours at Donnelley's.
The author has provided a unique glossary of terms, styles, structures, and names related to conservation and bookbinding through the ages illustrated with over 700 line drawings. She has provided names and drawings for almost every conceivable part of the book as well as a multitude of styles, bindings, and decorations. She literally takes apart the structure of the book and illustrates the many as well as varied facets and definitions that clearly outline the historical development of the book's structures and styles.
Each project in this book combines bookbinding with a specific craft such as quilting, jewelry making, or polymer clay, and offer levels of expertise: basic, novice, and expert. Illustrated step-by-step instructions and photographs demonstrate how to construct the cover pages, and a unique binding technique, easy enough for a beginner to master. Each project also features two other versions with the same binding geared to those with more or less experience. The novice version is for those who have no knowledge of the craft and want shortcuts, but love the look. For the quilter's book, for example, vintage quilt pieces become the covers so all that's needing in the binding. Or if you're interested in wool felting use an old sweater. This offers great opportunities for upcycling. The expert version is for those who have a great deal of knowledge and proficiency of a certain craft - the master art quilter, for example. For this version, an expert guest artist has created the cover and the author has created the binding. This offers yet another creative opportunity - the collaborative project. Since crafters often get involved with round-robins and other shared endeavors, this will show them yet another way to combine their skills. No other craft book offers the possibilities and challenges that Adventures in Bookbinding does. Readers will return to it again and again to find inspiration and ideas.
The high quality of traditional bookbinding is renowned, and while apprenticeships are difficult to come by today, this step-by-step guide by expert hand-binders is the next best thing. Teaching you valuable beginning- and intermediate-level skills, using their trademark hands-on approach, the Hollanders explain the basics of the craft, then guide you through five projects. Detailed instructions and photos help you to success. You'll master the pamphlet book style, the flat-back book, the round-back book, and the construction of slipcases and clamshell boxes for decorative book protection. Along with formulas to help you navigate making your own custom-size books, an extensive glossary of bookbinding terms and a list of resources offer ongoing support. A gallery of the authors' handmade books and boxes provides inspiration.
"A complete guide to the process of fine bookbinding, intended for both novice and experienced bookmakers. Guides the user in creating a fine binding fully covered in leather, with leather-jointed endpapers, gilt edges, and leather doublures. Includes close to 300 black-and-white illustrations, four appendices, bibliography and index"--Provided by publisher.