Advanced Bookbinding

The exercises in this book are intended to follow those in Bookbinding for Beginners. Some knowledge of the elementary terms and processes taught in that book is, therefore, assumed. There is some slight overlapping between the two books. This is necessary in order to overcome difficulties which may occur in schools where the preparatory work has been on different lines.

Each pupil should have his own book and work individually. Like the others in the series, however, this book is intended to supplement the work of the teacher not to supplant it. The book furnishes the instruction but the guidance, criticism and inspiration of the teacher are very necessary if a high standard. of craftsmanship is to be attained.

Most books on this subject contain long descriptions of the various operations which are somewhat confusing and difficult for a young beginner to follow. The attempt has been made in this book to introduce the operations gradually into the various exercises. When these have been worked through the pupil should be familiar with the general procedure to be followed in carrying out the common types of binding. In later work involving a combination of these operations, he should, at first, map out his method and submit this to the teacher for criticism and approval.

No work is suggested which cannot be done by senior children and, indeed, which has not already been done in many schools. Constructional details of some of the tools have been included. These tools provide suitable projects for the older boys in the handicraft room.

It is impossible within the limits of this little book to give a full description of all processes and methods. A list of useful reference books has, therefore been included; every craftroom should contain some of these books and their frequent use by the pupils should be encouraged.