ABC of Bookbinding: An Illustrated Glossary of Terms for Collectors and Conservators [Illustrated] [Hardcover]

Jane Greenfield (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: February 1, 1998

Reprint of the first edition of 1997. For the first time, Jane Greenfield has provided a unique glossary of terms, styles, structures, and names related to conservation and bookbinding through the ages illustrated with over 700 line drawings. Locating accurate descriptions of bookbindings from various periods has previously been frustrating for those who work with rare and antiquarian books, especially conservators, librarians, book collectors and antiquarian book specialists. However, this frustration will abate as Greenfield's work takes place alongside John Carter's ABC For Book Collectors as well as Don Etherington's and Matt T. Roberts' Bookbinding and Conservation of Books. Ms. Greenfield, a master in the field of bookbinding and conservation, examines the book's development from the earliest periods and in different places. She has provided names and drawings for almost every conceivable part of the book as well as a multitude of styles, bindings, and decorations. She literally takes apart the structure of the book and illustrates the many and varied facets and definitions that clearly outline the historical development of the book's structures and styles.

Editorial Reviews

From the Back Cover

Jane Greenfield's ABC of Bookbinding is a work long overdue. As a major illustrated glossary in the field of bookbinding, it provides a unique outline of the physical book and a concise look at the book's development over the centuries. More than a thousand binding-related words and seven hundred drawings are included in the glossary for every conceivable part of the book. This is the first time such succinct definitions and so many illustrations are coupled with clear outlines of the various periods in the historical development of book structure and style. Nowhere else is there such a unique combination of information available for student or collector who seeks to answer precise questions on bookbinding terminology. ABC of Bookbinding belongs on the reference shelf of every bibliophile, librarian, book conservator, collector, and binder interested in the book arts. (81/4 X 111/4, 204 pages, illustrations)

Product Details

• Hardcover: 180 pages
• Publisher: Oak Knoll Press and the Plough Press; 7th edition (February 1, 1998)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1884718418
• ISBN-13: 978-1884718410
• Product Dimensions: 11.3 x 8.2 x 0.8 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.7 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.5 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (2 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #963,687 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

14 of 15 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars ABC of Bookbinding : A Unique Glossary, March 28, 2000

By A Customer

This review is from: ABC of Bookbinding: An Illustrated Glossary of Terms for Collectors and Conservators (Hardcover)

There are several sections in this book including a glossary, an evolution of bookbinding styles, descriptions of historical bookbinding (time and place) and information about actual bookbinders through history.

Jane Greenfield provides a comprehensive glossary for anyone interested in bookbinding. Her small illustrations capture and describe the terminology beautifully.

Not designed as a primary resource, the sections about specific historical periods are overviews. Other books will provide more in-depth information.

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars ABC of Bookbinding: An Illustrated Glossary of Terms for Collectors and Conservators, February 5, 2010

By 

J. Sommerfeldt "book bound" - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: ABC of Bookbinding: An Illustrated Glossary of Terms for Collectors and Conservators (Hardcover)

This book is a wealth of information not only for collector and conservators but also for bookbinders and book artists. The glossary of bookbinding terms is a concise and informative valuable reference. As a bookbinding instructor, I appreciate being able to refer to the book for quick and accurate information. I also appreciate the glossary of bookbinding's structural evolution. It helps give anyone interested in the structure of the book the "big picture." Modern bookbinders are well-served when they have an understanding of the historic predecessors to their work. For collectors the glossary of binders, designers and styles of decoration and the index of binder's identification each offers a broad, well-researched go-to resource. The pen drawn illustrations throughout the book are very helpful.

As a respected teacher, bookbinder, and noted professional, Jane Greenfield is a trusted source for valuable information to whom any person who is deeply interested in books can turn to.