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Binding is the process by which a book is assembled, joining the pages to the cover.

The binding has ancient origins, oriental origin, and in the West the binder’s profession arose around the first century AD.

The first codex, volumes whose pages were sewn on a hardcover, were made by order of the churches in the fifth century.

Over the centuries, the work underwent several changes because of new technical discoveries such as the manufacturing of paper, which replaced the parchment, or the invention of printing, which made it possible to increase the  numbers of volumes.

In Italy, a lighter binding was elaborated, using limp parchment paper, string and alum.

Moreover, in the Renaissance era, they used a decorative technique called gilding with geometric patterns to cover volumes.

How it works:

If the book is arranged in stacks without a cover, you can choose a structure made of leather or parchment to bind it. The sections are sewn together along the spine, the cover is then mounted on boards or on dials, to keep the structure firm, and finally the cover is decorated.

Today’s Production

Although adhesive is used to join the sheets to the back of the cover, there are still some craft shops that maintain the historical tradition of bookbinding and teach the craft, using different materials and ancient techniques.

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