Antique. See Blind-tooled.
Arabesque. Decorative design consisting of many interwoven lines and curves arranged in conventional patterns. Sometimes applied to a design consisting of interwoven plants, animals, birds, etc.
Arming press. See Blocking press.
Asterisk. This well known sign is sometimes used to indicate that the printed matter on which it appears is to take the place of pages previously printed.
Awl. See Bodkin.
Azuré tools. Tools with a series of horizontal lines parallel on their faces.
Back lining. Cloth or paper glued to the back of a book to help hold the signatures together.
Backing. Forcing over the folds on each side at the back to form grooves into which boards fit, forming the joint.
Backing boards. Used for backing or forming the joint. Made of hardwood sometimes faced with iron. Have a beveled edge, over which the paper is forced by hammering and are thicker at this edge than at the other, so that when placed one on each side of the book and all are placed in the lying press, the power of the press is brought to bear on the part of the book nearest the back.
Backing hammer. Has a broad, flat face and short handle. Used in rounding and backing.