Guillotine. See Cutter, or Cutting machine.
Half-bound. Term indicating that leather is used on the back, with cloth or paper on the sides. If small pieces of leather are placed on the corners the book is still half-bound. If the corner pieces are large the book is three-quarters bound.
Half-title. Brief title on the leaf preceding the main title page. Also called Bastard title.
Hand letters. Single letters affixed to handles and used in lettering.
Head. The top of the back of the book.
Headband. A silk or cotton band attached to the head of the book to strengthen it, improve its appearance, and make the back even in thickness with the boards.
Head cap. Fold of leather over the headband.
Heel-ball. Shoemaker's preparation of wax used for taking rubbings of the backs of books.
Holeing. Piercing the boards with an awl so that bands can be laced-in.
Hollow back. See Loose back.