A Manual of the Art of Bookbinding / Containing full instructions in the different branches of forwarding, gilding, and finishing. Also, the art of marbling book-edges and paper.

by James B. Nicholson

THE SPRING-BACK.

There are numerous ways of forming this description of back, and as generally adopted in different offices. As in other particulars, two or three of the best will here be given: 1. Having ascertained the width and length of the back, and provided a piece of strong pasteboard, or thin milled board, of little more than twice the width, fold one side rather more than half, and then the other, so that the middle space left will be the exact size required, which should be about a quarter of an inch wider than the back of the book; then cut evenly another piece, a little less than the width, then another still less, and so on for six or seven, lessening the width each time till the last is merely a narrow slip. Let the edges of the first, or cover for the whole, be pared, and laid open on the table; then glue the middle space, and place thereon the largest slip, which also glue, and add the next in size, proceeding in like manner till the smallest is fixed, taking especial care that each occupies the exact centre of the one on which it is placed. Finally, glue the whole space and the two side-slips of the first, which must be brought over and firmly rubbed down. Shape it to the curve of the back of the book, either on the back or a wooden roller of the same size, and leave it to dry, when the head and tail must be cut to the proper length with the shears. For greater security the whole is often covered with linen cloth.

2. Cut a piece of firm milled board to the size required, and pare down the edges; then hold the board to the fire till it is found soft enough to model almost into any shape, and form to the back as above directed. The board is sometimes wetted, but does not answer so well.

3. A beaten iron plate of the exact size, and covered with parchment or leather.

Numerous patents have been obtained for this description of back, but none have been found to answer the purpose, on account of the metal cutting through the parchment or leather.

The spring-back is only used for the superior kind of account-books; for common work, a piece of thin pasteboard is merely laid on the back before covering, the stress on the back being small.

To prevent the manufactured back slipping during the operation of covering, it is laid on, and a piece of cloth glued over and attached to the sides, similarly to the back of a half-bound book. This tends also to materially strengthen the back.

COVERING.

The materials generally used for stationery-binding are russia, rough calf, green and white vellum, and rough sheep, according to the value of the work. Previous to pasting on vellum, the book should be covered with a piece of strong paper, as if for boards. The process is the same as for other bindings; but when completed, it will be necessary to put the book in the standing-press, having pieces of cane or wood for the purpose placed between the boards and the back, so as to form a bold groove, and force the leather close on the edge of the spring-back. Previous to and after pressing, the headbands must be squarely set, taking care to rub out any wrinkles that may have been formed in turning in the cover. Should the book be very large, it may be advisable to give it a nip in the press immediately after folding in the fore-edges of the boards, and then finish the covering by turning in the head and tail.