Book Binding

BOOKBINDING, AND
THE CARE OF BOOKS

Introduction

The reasons for binding the leaves of a book are to keep them together in their proper order, and to protect them. The benefits of binding can be seen from the large number of fifteenth and sixteenth century books still in excellent condition after hundreds of years. But some bindings fail to protect books. Nearly all librarians complain that books fall apart--not after four hundred years, but after only five or ten years.

It is no overstatement to say that ninety percent of the books bound in leather during the last thirty years will fall apart during the next thirty. The expense is a serious drag on the libraries, and it can easily be avoided.

There are two reasons why binding fails. The materials may be badly selected or prepared, or the method of binding is faulty. Another factor is the bad conditions under which bound books are often kept.

The object of this book is to describe the best methods of bookbinding, and of keeping books when bound. No attempt has been made to describe all possible methods, but only those that appear to have worked best. The methods described are for binding that can be done by hand with the aid of simple appliances. Large numbers of books are now bound at an incredible speed by the aid of machinery, but all work that needs personal care is still done--and probably always will be done--by hand. Fancy machinery can only be used when very large numbers of books have to be turned out exactly alike...

Reading Comprehension Questions

1) Which of the following is the main idea of the passage?

a. Book binding is an innovation that will quickly increase the importance of books.

b. Book binding has been greatly improved by the invention of modern machinery.

c. Book binding can be effective if done properly and books are stored correctly.

d. Book binding is more of an art form than a technical skill.

2) The above passage is an introduction to a book that was most likely written for which purpose?

a. to entertain

b. to warn

c. to inform

d. to advertise

3) Based on the above passage, which of the following is a main reason why binding fails?

a. simple appliances were used instead of fancy machines

b. leather was chosen as the binding material

c. the books were stored under bad conditions

d. there were too many pages used in the book

4) The writing style in the above passage can best be described as which of the following?

a. poetic

b. formal

a. chatty

b. lyrical

5) The book that includes the above introduction will most likely be read by which of the following?

a. an author of several novels printed in hardcover

b. the owner of a printing shop that creates hardcopy books

c. a bookstore owner who sells hardcopy books

d. an avid reader who prefers hardcopy books

6) In the Dewey Decimal System, the book containing the above passage will most likely be found in which section?

a. 676 - Pulp & paper technology

b. 677 - Textiles

c. 686 - Printing & related activities

d. 698 - Detail finishing

Answer Key