ABC of Leather Bookbinding: An Illustrated Manual on Traditional Bookbinding

Citation

Malcolm Watson, W. (2002), "ABC of Leather Bookbinding: An Illustrated Manual on Traditional Bookbinding", Library Review, Vol. 51 No. 1, pp. 45-59. https://doi.org/10.1108/lr.2002.51.1.45.11

Edward Lhotka was trained by Alfred de Sauty, who had been the bookbinding instructor of the Central School of Arts and Crafts, in London, at the beginning of the twentieth century, having succeeded Douglas Cockerell. De Sauty went to work for R.R. Donnelly and Sons Company, Chicago, in 1923, and it was here that Lhotka received his bookbinding skills. He acted as a consultant to the Prints and Drawings Department of the Art Institute of Chicago and began freelance bookbinding and restoration for the Regenstein Library of the University of Chicago and other institutions. Through his book on leather bookbindings, Edward Lhotka presents the “time tested techniques to a new generation”.

The work is an introductory practical manual providing a concise and well illustrated guide to the craft bookbinding. As stated in the preface, by John Lewis, “Previous bookbinding knowledge may be helpful but is not necessary if this work is followed carefully”.

The book begins by noting the importance of collation to ensure completeness and suitability for binding; next, stripping down, repairing and cleaning edges are covered as are all other essential processes to the end of finishing. A two‐page glossary, a list of five selected UK suppliers (as at July 2000), four tonal illustrations and an index complete the work.

There is very little in this book for the experienced hand binder but it does provide a simple, clearly illustrated guide for the beginner and the amateur with an interest in craft binding. Much of the material is readily available in a variety of other well‐established publications on the subject. At £25.00 it is rather expensive in relation to its contribution to the subject, though it is physically well produced.