Glossary -
Here you’ll find an alphabetized list of terms, and their definitions, relating to bookbinding and book restoration.
Backing
The spine of a book that is shaped to support the binding and structure. In bookbinding, "backing" can also refer to the process of forming the spine by manipulating the gatherings (groups of pages) and applying heat or pressure.
Blind Stamping
A decorative technique where designs are embossed or debossed onto the cover of a book without the use of ink or foil. The design is raised in the material, often on leather or cloth covers.
Book Block
The collection of pages that make up the body of a book, excluding the cover. The book block, also known as a text block, is typically sewn or glued together and is the foundation for attaching to the book's cover.
Case Binding
A method of bookbinding where the book block is sewn together, and then the finished book block is placed into a separate cover (case) made of paperboard or bookboard, often wrapped in cloth, leather, or paper.
Casing-in
The process of attaching the book block to the case or cover of the book. This is done after the book block has been sewn or glued together.
Clamshell Box
A box designed to house and protect books, manuscripts, or other objects. It opens like a clamshell, with a hinged lid and rigid construction, commonly used for archival storage.
Collating
The process of gathering and arranging the pages or signatures of a book in the correct order before binding. In restoration, this may also involve repairing torn or damaged pages before binding.
Conservation
The professional practice of preserving and maintaining books and manuscripts, often involving minimal intervention to prevent further deterioration while maintaining the object’s original integrity.
Coptic Binding
An ancient form of bookbinding that uses a distinctive exposed stitch pattern to attach the signatures. It’s often used in handmade, artisanal books and has a distinctive, decorative appearance.
Deckle Edge
A rough, uneven edge on paper that results from the papermaking process. Some books are intentionally left with deckle edges for aesthetic purposes or may be restored as part of a book’s original design.
Endpapers
The sheets of paper that are glued to the inside covers of a book and that attach the book block to the cover. Endpapers consist of the “paste-down” and the “fly-leaf.” Endpapers can be plain, decorative, or marbled.
Flyleaf
A blank page at the beginning or end of a book, placed between the cover and the first or last page of the text. Flyleaves are part of the endpapers and are used to protect the main book block. They are often used to add inscriptions, dedications, or annotations as well.
Gilding
The application of gold leaf or gold powder to a book's edges or cover, often for decorative purposes. In book restoration, gilding may be used to re-gild the spine or edges of a damaged book.
Headband
A small decorative band sewn or glued at the head and tail of the spine of a book. Historically, headbands served as a functional element in bookbinding, helping to hold the text block together, though today it is mostly decorative.
Hinge
The flexible joint where the cover and the book block are attached. In book restoration, the hinge may be repaired if it becomes damaged, stiff, or cracked, to ensure the book opens properly.
Marbling
The process of creating a patterned, swirling design on paper. Often used for endpapers or the cover of a book. In book restoration, marbling can be used to replace or repair damaged endpapers.
Ploughing
The process of trimming the edges of a book’s pages after they have been sewn and bound. This is done to create a uniform edge on the book block and to remove any roughness from the folding process.
Pressing
A method used in bookbinding and restoration where the book is placed under pressure, often using a book press, to ensure that the pages and spine are flat and properly aligned. It is also used to smooth wrinkles or creases in the paper.
Re-backing
The process of replacing or repairing the spine of a book with new material. Often done in restoration when the original spine is cracked, torn, or deteriorated. The book’s covers may be preserved, but the spine is entirely reworked.
Restoration
The process of repairing, preserving, and sometimes reconstructing a book that has suffered physical damage. This can involve cleaning, repairing pages, rebinding, and replacing missing elements.
Signature
Also called a “gathering.” A group of pages folded together and sewn or bound to form part of the book. Each signature typically contains multiple pages, and several signatures make up a book block.
Spine
Also referred to as the “back,” the spine is the part of the book where all of the signatures are bound together. In restoration, the spine often needs repairs because of splitting or cracking.
Sewing
A process in bookbinding where the pages (signatures) are stitched together using thread. Sewing is often a crucial step in ensuring the durability of a book.
Tip-In
The method of a page or plate inserted into a book after the book has been bound. Tip-ins are often used for illustrations, photographs, or special inserts.
Trimming
The process of cutting the edges of a book’s pages to create uniformity and remove any excess paper from the binding process. Trimming can be used to restore a book’s edges if they have become ragged or fragile over time.
Washing
A technique used in restoration and conservation where a book’s pages are cleaned by soaking in water or a gentle, non-abrasive solution. Washing can lessen or remove dirt, stains, and natural discoloration in paper.