Non-Adhesive Binding, Volume I: Books Without Paste or Glue

Keith Smith's Non-Adhesive Binding Manuals

From Keith Smith, one of the world's most accomplished bookbinders, the Non-Adhesive Binding series covers traditional and novel techniques in binding books without glue. From simple stab bindings and classic codices (covered in Volume I), to techniques designed specifically for short artist books (Volume II), to Coptic stitch and many more complex exposed-spine bindings (Volume III), Smith's bookbinding manuals cover each step in clear, detailed illustrations and text.

Author's Description of This Volume:

Volume I is not only about how to bind a book, the first part of this text is about developing an approach to binding. Sewing a blank book or rebinding an existing one differs from creating a book of text and/or pictures. Here, binding should not be an afterthought but an integral part of the statement.

Volume I is an introduction to hand binding: Paper, grain, folding, cutting, tearing, marking and piercing sewing stations are explained. Folding down sections for a varying number of pages is diagrammed, as well as imposition of page numbers. Thread, knots and stitches, and simple tools are covered.

PART 2 of the book gives detailed written instructions for 33 simple to complex bindings. The procedures are also presented as 350 drawings, elaborately diagrammed step by step. In addition, this is followed by a condensed outline of the procedures. All sewings require only needle thread and scissors.

PART 3 describes covers, tape supports, interlocking tabs, turns-in and spine-pleats.

PART 4 contains the references, including a Glossary of Terms, Notes, Index of Terms and Reference of Photographic Illustrations.

Volume I has 137 photographic reproductions of bindings by 37 contemporary bookbinders.