There are two methods of dealing with the back of a book before covering: it may be either what is called "tight" or "open." In the first, one or two thicknesses of paper are glued to the back, and when the book is covered with leather, the leather which falls on the back is pasted to this paper. The result, of course, is that, in this case, the leather has to take any form that the back itself does. Thus, for instance, when the book is open the back rises up, as at B, Fig. 104. In the "hollow," or "open," back, some slips of paper are glued

to the back, over which are placed others free from the back. When the book is covered, part of the leather is turned in between these, so that the covering of the back only adheres to the loose paper. The consequence is that, when the book is opened, the real back flies up; but the loose back to which the leather cover is attached, retains its shape. This is shown at Fig.104, where a loose-backed book is shown open B is the back of the book, which has naturally sprung up; A is the outer part of the lining, with the leather attached which, being detached from the actual book, keeps its regular shape. Each method has its advantages. The" tight" back is undoubtedly the more antique and the stronger system. All old books have tight backs, so have most small Church Services of the present day (of which more anon) and large pulpit Bibles. But the hollow back opens better, and the" finishing" is less liable to damage and, in short, this kind of back is almost universal at the present day.

Before lining the back, the headband should be set. This is done by means of glue. If the headband be worked, it is glued over both at head and tail, and then, by the aid of a folder, the headband is made to take the same curve as the back of the book. This is accomplished by holding the book, with its back downwards, on the cheek of the press, in the left hand, while with a pointed folder, held in the right hand, the bead of the headband is rubbed down and manipulated to make it of good shape.

The silk or cambric at the back is then rubbed down as closely as possible, and the book allowed to dry.

In lining a tight back, the book is screwed up in the laying press, back projecting; the back of the book is carefully glued over with glue of tolerable thickness. A piece of smooth brown paper is now taken, which has one edge cut quite straight. This straight edge is applied to the left side of the back, the paper put down on the glued surface, and then well rubbed down to the back with a stout bone folder and the palm of the hand. It is then cut off straight with a sharp knife at the right side of the back. It is well to glue this brown paper over, and apply a second piece or still better, a thickness of stout smooth cartridge paper. The paper should be long enough to project a little over the headbands at head and tail.

< Headbands and Registers