The Art of Bookbinding: A practical treatise, with plates and diagrams

"The Art of Bookbinding: A Practical Treatise" by Joseph W. Zaehnsdorf is a manual providing a detailed exploration into the world of crafting books. It begins by explaining the long history of bookbinding, from its early forms used to protect ancient writings to its rise as an important art during the Renaissance. It then goes on to describe the specific methods and materials used in bookbinding, acting as a reference for those who are completely new to the craft as well as those who already have experience. Early chapters carefully explain essential foundational steps such as folding, beating, collating, and gathering, preparing the reader for the more complex steps later on.