Customer Reviews

Books without Paste or Glue

5 star:		(6)
4 star:		(3)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

A wonderfully straight -forward how-to book on the technicalities and the various methods of binding books. Concentrates exclusively on stitching, introducing many methods unfamiliar to me that are both beautiful and practical. The instructions and drawings are clear uncluttered and easy to follow. The photo's are basic but intended to inform rather than the seduce the unaware into a purchase. It contained everything I needed to know. I wish more books were like this one.

My boss bought a copy of this book for the graphics department (an old edition). I read a few paragraphs and flipped through the pages for a few minutes, then got on Amazon and ordered my own copy. The book would make a fantastic text book for a book making class. It goes into great detail, yet allows for creativity. I'd recommend it highly.

I enjoy journaling on blank pages and subsequently binding them into journals. Keith Smith's book on non-adhesive binding is an excellent resource for learning non-conventional binding and book structures.

I enjoyed the book so much, I eventually made mock-ups of nearly every project in this book AND went on to worth through several other of Smith's books.

Smith provides many basic/general techniques in the front of the book followed by specific "recipes." He provides both creative suggestions for content and technical information on structure and assembly. Smith also provides sample photographs of each binding.

One minor criticism: many of the projects suggest using very heavyweight paper--almost watercolor paper--instead of textweight or lightweight. I had to tweak the instructions for binding the lightweight paper I use for journaling.

Very thorough guide to aspects of constructing books of simplicity and beauty. Very elaborate bindings are also presented. Books are discussed as a means of presentation to suit the needs of the subject matter. In this age of scrapbooking and bookmaking as a vehicle for show and personal function, this seems a very useful book. Copies of this book held in libraries are often checked out for extended periods and unavailable. The book is well written, smyth sewn, and laid out in a logical fashion. Contains a glossary of terms.

This book was a little too long winded on the artistic way of book binding. It did have some good projects included, but overall it had many impractical designs that cannot produce a book that can be readily used. If you are looking for an artistic approach to book binding, then this is an excellent example. If though, you are looking for a book by which you can learn to make books that can be used, I would suggest looking elsewhere.

I was actually looking for Volume 3 of this series, however, the interesting bindings within this volume have been very helpful in making books of my own.
Extremely detailed, with diagrams of nearly everything (including tying knots) and easy to understand instructions made for a relatively easy book sewing.
I'd suggest it to any bookbinder.

This is a great all round introduction to book binding for beginners. It gives instructions for making a variety of book types from the simple to more complicated which means it is an instruction manual you can grow into! Smiths other books are much more specific as their titles suggest and harder to dip into for the less experienced. Smith's Sewing Single Sheets is another unintimidating manual and handy for visual artists such as printmakers who work on varying weights of paper.
- Penny (Australia)

This is a great manuel for new or continuing binders. There are many elementary bindings that are great for beginners or to expand a binders horizons such as the classic long stich to coptic.

The new and revised edition of this book offers more detailed instructions and diagrams. The diagrams alon with new photo's of completed books give a sence of the project and outcome before you begin.

I recommend this book to any new binder or continuing binder for the detailed instuctions and the varity of the bindings demonstated.

I bought this book based on the reviews of other satisfied customers. Though it has some good information, the big problem with this book is that Mr. Smith is more interested in creating books that are art rather than books that are useful. I was (and remain) interested in creating my own hardback books, and this book takes ~400 pages to talk about the process. The other big problem I had with this book is the lack of terminology. Smythe binding is mentioned once in passing. Oversewing isn't mentioned at all. Specialty tools are described, and the information about creating a book press is useful, but everything that Mr. Smith discusses here can be found online for free.

If you are an artist whose chosen medium is books, you'll love this book and should get it. If you're like me and you want a guide to creating a hardback book of your own, skip this book. Search [...] for book binding and TJ Book Arts for "hedgehogs" to get a much faster introduction to the subject.

This was a book for a friend's birthday, and didn't know how cool this book was!! I would buy for myself!!