Book rebinding

Book rebinding is the renewal or replacement of the cover of a book. Typically, this requires restitching or renewal of the glue which holds the pages in place.

Libraries may rebind books for durability or archival purposes, or for repair.

Collectors of

1. the volumes were taken apart by cutting away the spine, cords, and stitching, and removing the glue
2. the plates were separated, cleaned, repaired and pressed flat
3. paper guards were added to the spinal edge of the plates—strips of paper which would bear the new sewing
4. the plates were grouped into sections of four which were then sewn to linen tapes
5. the spines of the plates assembled for a volume were then rounded by beating with a hammer
6. new headbands of linen-covered vellum were added
7. new covers were made in the original style—boards covered with book cloth and leather reinforcement on the spine and corners
8. the original pastedowns and endpapers of
   marbled paper
   were restored for the inside of the cover
9. the leather of the cover was then tooled with hot brass and gold leaf to restore the titles and decoration in the style of the original binding

References