Customer Reviews

Non Adhesive Binding, Vol. 3: Exposed Spine Sewings

5 star:		(9)
4 star:		(0)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

I borrowed a copy of this book from a friend and realized I really wanted my own copy for continued study and reference. The stitches and structures are quite beautiful but not necessarily suited to the casual crafter, unless they wish to elevate their skills and work towards a more sophisticated level. Perfectly suited to the serious book artist and binder though I highly recommend this book to anyone who wants to create books of uncompromising quality and craftsmanship.

The diagrams are typical Smith, complete (and once you study them a bit) easy to follow. This is not one of those glossy, crafter's coffee table tomes, but a true textbook of imaginative and wonderful bindings. This one will reside on your work bench or studio bookshelf, eventually dog eared and well used.

It does help to make a model or two (which you should ALWAYS do!)to get the stitching and nuances of the binding down pat, but the practice is worth the effort.

Again, if you want to elevate your work and learn from a master, get this book.

I have been binding books for about 2 years now, and I am always looking for another idea; another interesting way to sew a book. So I naturally was highly interested in a book like this one. This book contains many different types of non-adhesive bindings, however, the directions are unclear and extremely difficult to follow. The illustrations don't help much either. However, it is a good source for ideas, if you have a lot of time and patience. If you do decide to try these bindings, I suggest that you don't use expensive papers or anything--from my experience, you'll have to practice a few times before you get it right.

If you are interested in Coptic-style bindings, this is the book for you. Keith has a lot of useful information, many different variations on the sewing, and easy to follow (for me) diagrams. He also lets you know why he chooses to do things the way he does, leaving you free to do it differently if you choose.

This book is a great resource for the more complex exposed spine bindings.
I would recommend some bookbinding experience prior to jumping into these methods.
I am impressed with the wealth of information presented in a 'no frills' straightforward way.
Every page of this book is filled with valuable information. Diagrams are clear.
This is not just a fancy picture book to look at, it is a guidebook for serious book artists who want to learn these stitches and techniques.
I am now looking at purchasing some of his other books.

This is the book to get if you want to learn open spine bookmaking. It is precise and detailed with pictures easily displayed. The instructions are concise and easy to read and understand all in all it has been a god send for a person like me who has to be shown how to do things before I do them. This book did this for me.
I would definitly recommed this book to others.

I had originally purchased Vol I of this series from Keith Smith and loved it but was hoping to get the directions for his caterpiller stitch and it wasn't in that book. Now that I have the right one I can't wait to try it. This book is normally VERY expensive so it was a wonderful surprise to find it for such a great price. That and it came quickly, and in awesome shape. Thanks!!!!

If you are interested in Exposed Spine Sewings of handbound books then this is the book for you. All of Keith Smith's books are like the Bibles of bookbinding. A must for any bookbinder. You will have enough info to keep you busy for years. Very in-depth diagrams and explanations of so many different sewings. I cannot wait to try a few of them out for myself. Happy Bookbinding!

This is an amazing book, A lot of info and great examples..
Very cool!!!!!

cheers!!

This book is a great place to start for non-traditional bindings. While based on basics there is a lot of wiggle room as you use this guide to experiment with your own bindings and designs.

I love this book. It has clear instructions and easy to follow diagrams as well. I have made a couple of books using this guide and I am thrilled with what I produced. The only thing that would make this book better would be if the pictures of the examples were in colour.The caterpillar book was a lot of fun to make!!!