Books, Boxes & Portfolios: Binding, Construct and Design, Step-By-Step [Hardcover]

Franz Zeier (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: August 1, 1990

In this introduction to the techniques of bookbinding, Franz Zeier guides readers step-by-step through projects for making a variety of boxes, portfolios, book covers, photograph albums, mats, and sewn and adhesive

Editorial Reviews

About the Author

Franz Zeier, a Swiss designer, has taught bookbinding at the Kunstgewerbeschule in Zurich for over two decades. He has exhibited work in numerous shows and is the author of a book on design with paper.

Product Details

• Hardcover: 304 pages
• Publisher: McGraw-Hill Professional; 1 edition (August 1, 1990)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0830634835
• ISBN-13: 978-0830634835
• Product Dimensions: 9.9 x 7.1 x 0.9 inches
• Shipping Weight: 2 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.1 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (10 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #64,013 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
  • #43 in Books > Arts & Photography > Other Media > Mixed Media

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

71 of 71 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars The Art of Containing Space, July 17, 2002

By 

Marc Ruby™ "The Noh Hare™" (Warren, MI USA) - See all my reviews
(VINE VOICE)    (HALL OF FAME REVIEWER)   

This review is from: Books, Boxes & Portfolios: Binding, Construct and Design, Step-By-Step (Hardcover)

I dabble in photography as an art form. One of the things I like to do is make a series of prints and assemble them into a bound book or portfolio. I have worked with several very fine book/album makers in the design. My only problem is that the process is costly, even though it can be deeply satisfying.

It was several years ago that the urge came upon me to investigate making of books and portfolios myself. While casting about among a limited set of resources, I came upon Franz Zeier's guide. It has been my guidepost ever since. In fact, it is a measure of Zeier's success that this volume has been in print in English for 12 years and is still in print.

Zeier's objective, to provide clear instructions for building many paper-based objects without the need for mechanical tools. Nor does he focus on decorative techniques. Because of this, he does not investigate leather binding, blind and gold tooling, gilt edges, decorated papers, and other such additions. He believes that the opportunities afforded by the basic, 'preliminary' techniques are sufficiently enough to satisfy the many of the creative urges of hobbyists and craftsmen.

The text addresses materials, techniques, solids, mats, boxes, portfolios, books and albums in a straightforward, easy to follow fashion. The book itself is extremely well made, obviously intended for survival in the workshop. An interesting feature is that Zeier eschews photographs, preferring to illustrate his techniques with drawings. I think this works well, because a drawing can emphasize the important parts of a process better than a camera can.

64 of 70 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Judy box and book maker [e-mail], November 6, 2000

By 

Judy (Austin, Texas) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Books, Boxes & Portfolios: Binding, Construct and Design, Step-By-Step (Hardcover)

10 years ago held up in my studio where I did my best to make two books. Later I studied at Penland School of Crafts in N.C. where I learned to make a book with precision. I've been making boxes and books since, sometimes I wish I had someone to confer with, that's where "Books, Boxes and Portfolios and Mr Zeier" come in. It's like having a friend with me in the studio. Some projects are easy but I would recommend it to someone who has some expierence working with exact measurements, and one who is patient.

15 of 16 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Details count, February 24, 2006

By 

KC (San Francisco, CA United States) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Books, Boxes & Portfolios: Binding, Construct and Design, Step-By-Step (Hardcover)

A thorough presentation on constructing portfolios and boxes. The diagrams and text explain important details like handling corners, lining the inside of boxes and keeping measurements in check for a lid to close successfully. My box-making took a leap in quality after following the tips in this book.