ABSTRACT
This chapter discusses a branch of the art, not only requiring all the careful attention before enforced, but a considerable share of taste and talent; taste to form a true estimate of what will accord well with the nature of the work and add to the beauty of the binding; and talent to execute the colours and designs in the best manner. This department may be distinguished under two general heads—Colouring and Gilding. There are three sorts of ornaments upon the covers of books, independent of gilding and blind tooling; viz. marbles, sprinkles, and uniform tints. Previous to gilding the covers of a book, it is usual to burnish the edges, and paste down the end papers, though sometimes these operations are not performed till after. To operate successfully it will be necessary that the workman provides himself with good size, glaire, and oil. The chapter also explains gilding the edges of the boards and the sides of the book.
