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The Art of Bookbinding
by Joseph W. Zaehnsdorf
3rd Edition Published in London 1897

Hand-finishing, as before stated, is really an art. The finisher
should be able to draw, or at least have some knowledge of
composition, and also know something about the harmony of
colours. The workman not having any knowledge of drawing
cannot expect to be a good finisher; because he cannot
possibly produce any good designs, or by a combination of the
small tools form a perfect and correct pattern. Taste has no
small influence in the success of the workman in this branch of
art. It is better to finish books plainly, rather than put on the
least portion of gold more than is necessary. If the intentions
of the books’ owner is to put some special style or design into
his bookcase, it will be well to think over the various styles
before deciding upon any particular one. Before going
thoroughly into the working details a few preliminary words may
be permitted.
Let the tools be always in keeping with the book, both in size
and character. Large ones should be used only on a large
book, and those of less size for smaller works. A book on

Natural History should have a bird, insect, shell, or other tool indicative of the contents. A flower should be used on
works on Botany, and all other works be treated in the same emblematical manner; so that the nature of the book
may be understood by a glance at the back. In lettering, see that the letters are of a size proportionate to the
book-legible, but not too bold. They should neither be so large as to prevent the whole of the title being read at one
view, nor so small as to present a difficulty in ascertaining the subject of a book when on the shelf. Amongst a large
number of books there should be an agreeable variety of styles, so that the effect may be in harmony with the colours
around, and produce as pleasing a contrast as possible.
Tools and Materials required for Finishing-Rolls, fillets, pallets, centre and corner tools of every possible class and
character; type of various sizes for the lettering of the books or labels.

The type may be either of brass or of the usual
printer’s metal; if the latter be chosen, care
must be taken that it be not left at the fire too
long, or it will melt. Typeholders to hold the
type, which are made to fit the respective sizes
are necessary, but one or two with a spring
side, adjusted by screw at the side, will be
found convenient for any sized type. In England
it is the custom to letter books with hand
letters, each letter being separate and fixed in a
handle. I have, however, little doubt that these
will in time be laid aside, and that the type and
type case will be found in every bookbinder’s
shop.

Polishing irons. Of these two are necessary-one for the sides and one for the backs. There is generally a third kept
for polishing the board end papers when pasted down, which should be kept for this purpose only.
A gold-rag, to wipe off the surplus gold from the back or side of a book. It should have a little oil well worked into
it, so that when it has been wiped over the back or side the gold may adhere and remain in it. This rag when full of
gold will be of a dirty yellow, and may then be melted down by any of the gold-refiners and the waste gold recovered.
India-rubber, cut up very small-the smaller the better-and steeped in turpentine, so as to render it as soft as
possible, to be used for clearing away any gold not taken off by the gold-rag. This should also be melted down when
full.

Gold-cushion, for use as explained in Chapter XVII.

Gold leaf. The best should be used, it keeps its colour better, and is much more easy to work than the commoner
metal usually sold.

Sponges, both large and small-the large ones for paste-washing, the smaller for glairing and sizing.

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