International studio (33.1907/1908(1908))

Practical Bookbinding


with the left hand, the knife held almost flat on the
leather (the point in the groove already cut out),
shave off part of the thickness to be pared. After
the leather has been pared on one edge of the cover,
by running the finger over it one is able to tell by
the “feel” whether it is about the same thickness
all along. The French knife may be used toward
the finish to remove any inequalities, holding it
quite flat on the leather. In the cut is shown how a
cover is laid out—also a section of the leather after
it is pared.
After the back and edges have been pared to the
shape and relative thickness shown, then those por-
tions shown in black should also be pared off. This
is easily done by running the sharp-pointed paring
knife along each groove. These strips are removed
so as to make the thickness of the leather decrease
gradually and not so abruptly as would otherwise
be the case.
The leather being ready for putting on, it is
thoroughly moistened with water (on the right side)
so that it will be flexible. After this has been done,
it is pasted on the inside with thick paste well
rubbed in. It should then be folded and left for a
short time.
The book itself is then taken, and raising each
cover at an angle of 45 degrees, a little paste is
slipped under each cord (with the point of a folder),
the cover then being closed and the paste rubbed in
the cord thoroughly with the folder. This is done
so that the cord will stick closely to the board as well
as to the leather. The book is then rested on the
table on its fore edge and the back thoroughly
• smeared with a finger of paste, especially around
the bands. Surplus paste should be carefully re-

moved. The boards are then adjusted so that the
squares on each side at the head and tail are the
same. The cords in the grooves are then rubbed
down again with a folder.
The pared cover is now spread on the bench,
the back placed on the leather exactly in the space
intended for it, noting that the center line on the
cover is exactly in the center of back, and the latter
at equal distances from the head and tail of cover.
Holding the book steadily with the right hand the
leather is raised with the left hand and pressed
firmly against the side of the book (care should be
taken that the book does not slip during this
operation). The same is done with the other side
of the cover. The book is now placed carefully on
its fore edge, the two hands being placed firmly on
each side, the leather drawn down firmly and evenly,
so that it is brought in close contact with the back
of the book. It is necessary during this operation to
make allowance for enough leather to cover the
bands without stretching it too much. This is done
as follows: With one hand on each side of the
book (still standing on its fore edge with tail
towards the worker), the leather is drawn in by the
fingers, from the head, so that it wrinkles somewhat
over the back. The book is now reversed and
the leather drawn in from the tail. After this is
done it may again be drawn down on the sides, the
book still on its fore edge. After the leather has
been evenly distributed on the back the book may
be laid on its side, a piece of tough paper, or a
smooth piece of skiver, laid on it and with a
straight-edge folder the leather is smoothed evenly
on each side. By inspecting the edges from time
to time the worker notes whether the lines on the
leather exactly match the edges of the boards; if
not, now is the time to adjust them. Never rub
damp leather except through a protective, such as
paper. At this point it is necessary to pinch the
leather close around each band with the band
nippers. Care must be taken that the bands are


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