ABSTRACT
Contemporary bindings of old books are, so far as possible, retained, even when re-backing, or complete re-binding, is necessary, and most bibliographers are aware of the great mass of important knowledge which has been destroyed by careless re-binding. The binder divides the processes of his craft into two series, “forwarding” and “finishing”. The after-preservation of leather bindings consists otherwise mainly in their protection from atmospheric extremes, heat, light, damp, and drought. Leather covers, laid over wooden boards, were also decorated in early times, in the West as well as in Near Eastern countries such as Egypt. The materials for the covers consisted until very recently exclusively of skin, nor has any textile of equal flexibility, toughness, and durability yet been found to take its place. The cover-design may be made in a single piece, or “stamp”, and impressed, as is regularly done on publishers’ casings.
