THE ART OF BOOKBINDING
In today’s culture of electronic communication, entertainment, information-gathering, and opinion sharing, we’re all used to seeing young people with their noses buried in their cell phones. It was so refreshing when I recently learned that there is a growing group of youthful crafters pursuing the ancient art of bookbinding. Surprisingly, this growing movement is fueled and supported by some very unlikely sources, i.e. TikTok! That platform alone has over 60 million results for a search of “bookbinding.”
Mylyn McColl, of the Society of Bookbinders, said: “Historically the society was made up predominantly of older people, often retirees enjoying new free time. But that is changing.” A new generation of bookbinders, very comfortable with surfing the Internet, can find info on: techniques, specialty glues, tools, and ideas for cover designs. They also can invest in updated methods, like 3-D printers and laser cutters.
In ancient times, before the sixth century, pages of books were palm leaves, papyrus, or baked clay tablets, loosely held together with leather thongs, or silk threads. In the sixth century, book binding was done exclusively by monks, who improved the skill exponentially. They used gold, silver, or copper gilt to decorate the covers, and sometimes added precious stones.
Today’s toolbox comprises a lighter weight press, (to replace the heavy oak ones the monks used) pliers called nippers, that are shaped like a hammer-head shark, a small hammer to pound the spine into a curve, and various sewing and cutting implements. If you have a love of books that extends to their tactile feel and smell, and you also enjoy the satisfaction of working with hand tools, I encourage you to explore bookbinding.
I also hope to meet you at the Desert Foothills Book Festival on October18, 2025 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.at the Holland Center, 34250 N. 60th street, Scottsdale AZ
Thanks, Rita Goldner and the volunteer planning committee
Here is a short video of trimming and hammering the spine
https://ampersandbookstudio.substack.com/p/tools-of-the-trade
Rita Goldner Author and Illustrator of Children’s Picture Books
Author of these two newsletters:
“Tell Me A Story” about literature topics, events, news.
“Orangutans and More” about endangered and interesting wild animals
ritagoldnerbooks.com
