Craft of Bookbinding: Illustrated Hand Bookbinding Guide
Illustrated: Craft of Bookbinding is a step-by-step guide to restoring books and learning hand bookbinding techniques. Its coverage includes sewing methods, binding single sheets, making endpapers, covering books and adding titles and decoration.
At a glance
- Describes book sewing methods including antique, flexible, outside-cord, lockstitch and whipstitch approaches.
- Covers repairs to hardcovers, paperbacks, periodicals and other materials, as well as perfect binding with single sheets.
- Includes instructions for endpapers, headbands, casing in, cover materials, titling and decoration.
- The listing describes over 250 author photographs and drawings and instructions for making a book press and other equipment.
Reference price: $29.99
Price checked: 13 Nov 2026
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Pros and cons
Pros
- Broad practical scope, from book repair and sewing to finishing and decoration.
- Includes different binding methods and cover materials, making it useful as a reference beyond a single project.
- Customer feedback describes the diagrams and instructions as helpful for learning and reference.
Technical specifications
9 specifications| Publisher | Dover Publications |
|---|---|
| Publication date | 18 February 1994 |
| Edition | New |
| Language | English |
| Print length | 162 pages |
| ISBN-10 | 0486278522 |
| ISBN-13 | 978-0486278520 |
| Weight listed | 295 g |
|---|---|
| Dimensions | 16.51 x 1.27 x 23.5 cm |
What to know before buying
Listing details to confirm
Customer feedback is divided on readability and includes criticism that some photos are blurred, so visual clarity may be a consideration when following illustrated techniques. The listing describes over 250 photos and drawings, but that does not establish their reproduction quality.
Who is it for?
A good fit for
- Readers looking for a printed guide to book repair and hand-binding methods.
- Hobbyists interested in sewing, covering, titling or decorating books.
- Learners who want a reference that also discusses making bookbinding tools.
Less suited to
- Readers seeking only a short, project-specific beginner tutorial.
- Buyers who need consistently clear photographic illustrations, given reported concerns about image quality.
Customer reviews on Amazon
- 5 stars
65% 65% - 4 stars
15% 15% - 3 stars
10% 10% - 2 stars
7% 7% - 1 star
3% 3%
Customer feedback portrays the book as detailed and informative, with clear instructions and diagrams valued for reference and teaching. That breadth aligns with the listing's coverage of restoration, binding methods and equipment, but reported concerns about blurred photos may matter when using visual guidance, and opinions on readability are mixed. Aggregate ratings are generally favourable overall, though they do not establish how well the book suits a particular reader.
Positive themes
- Customers describe the content as informative and useful as a reference.
- Feedback praises the instructions and diagrams, and some readers value its coverage of binding tools.
- Some customers report positive value for money.
Negative themes
- Some customers criticise the image quality, describing photos as blurred.
Mixed feedback
- Readability receives mixed feedback, with some finding the guide easy to follow and others disagreeing.
Frequently asked questions
What topics does Craft of Bookbinding cover?
The listing describes book repair, several sewing methods, perfect binding, endpapers, headbands, casing in, cover materials, titling and decoration.
Does the guide cover making bookbinding equipment?
The listing says it includes instructions for building a book press and other equipment.
Is it focused only on hardcover restoration?
No. The listing also describes repair guidance for paperbacks, periodicals and other materials.
What should I know about the illustrations?
The listing describes more than 250 photos and drawings. Customer feedback praises diagrams but also reports blurred photos, so image clarity may vary.
