Rounded & Backed Books

These books are more complicated than those made during our shorter workshops, however a beginner with good manual dexterity can produce this style of book.  Rounding involves moulding the spine of a text block into an arc of approximately one-third of a circle, which in the process produces a concave fore edge. After a book is rounded it can be glued and lined to maintain its shape or it can be backed first.  Backing involves manipulating the long edges of the rounded spine so that they form a ridge or shoulder on each side of the spine.  As a result, if viewed from above, the shape of the spine resembles the cross section of a muffin or a mushroom.  The processes help to make the book more robust and durable. 

In this workshop we will start by discussing the basic principles of bookbinding and proceed to produce a rounded book.  We will sew the book over straps, learn the necessary processes to produce the shaped spine, add decorative endpapers and then sew headbands.  Finally we will make a cover from book cloth and grey board. The workshop lasts two days.  However, you can choose to remain for a third day in order to learn how to make a solander or clam shell case to house their rounded books.  All materials and lunches are included.