Published in 1989, this book guides the reader through the intricacies of the bookbinding industry, including chpaters on the evolution of the book, sewing, end papers, and the preparation of miscellaneous work.

The Book Block is a manual of industrial binding techniques, the first in the Making a Book collection, which focuses on manuals for graphic book production. With the aim of elevating knowledge about graphic production among designers — helping them to produce better books and communicate more effectively with all those involved in the process — The Book Block brings together the 17 most common industrial binding techniques in 6 categories, exploring each one in detail, describing them and showing what is possible to do in this day and age. Conceived from scratch to be bilingual, in Portuguese and English, the book seeks to systematize Portuguese terminology in the printing industry, while providing the same information in the lingua franca of today’s global market: English. In an international context, with customers, employees and producers sprinkled throughout the world, this book provides the perfect tool for an effective communication. Developed by experienced book designers and bookbinders — Itemzero and Maiadouro — this book is a summary of decades of know-how, now easily made available.

Craft Bookbinding introduces some of the numerous binding styles that can be achieved with little or no experience, from simple structures that can be made with folded paper to the classic case binding. Techniques for handling paper and glue are explained in detail, along with a range of different methods of sewing and a variety of cases to be used as covers. There are various ideas for how the different binding styles can be lettered. Lavishly illustrated with photographs and diagrams, clear instructions describe the bindings, which can be adapted to bind books that are uniquely yours. There is a guide to adapting or making tools, plus specialist equipment and an emphasis on best practice so the skills can be developed and used as a foundation for fine binding. Lavishly illustrated with 73 colour photographs and 17 diagrams.

Innovative approach to bookbinding explains techniques that elevate handmade books into extraordinary artworks. Simple, well-illustrated directions explain how to make pop-up panels, pages that "explode" from the spine, slipcases, and more.

A time-honored craft, bookbinding protects and enhances written and printed documents. Many of the diverse techniques of the improve a book's functionality and appearance are described in the these thoroughly illustrated pages.

Original publication and copyright date: 2004.