A third-generation traditional bookbinder gives easy-to-follow instructions for making all the major, historically important styles of Japanese bindings as well as traditional book cases--the custom-made folding boxes that afford handsome protection for Japan's exquisite books. The authoritative text, written by one of Japan's leading professional bookbinders, has been fully adapted for Western readers. Both American and Japanese suppliers of traditional tools and materials are provided and substitutes are recommended for items not readily available. For centuries the West has admired Japanese books, but only now can we make them ourselves and take full advantage of their creative possibilities. Stunning and practical, these bindings are ideal for preserving calligraphy, letters, artwork, and poems, for adding a distinctive touch to limited-edition books, and for use as diaries or gifts.
Customer Reviews:
Avg. Customer Rating: 4.5 / 5.0
Beautiful illustrations and ideas for bookbinding:
Good book for Japanese style bindings. Done the old way and using your hands and feet without alot of tools this is the book to have
Brilliant!:
I was interested in bookbinding, and loved the simplicity and elegance of japanese books. When I got the book, was easy to read and very simple instructions; In less of two weeks already made a Yotsume toji, a kikko-toji and a flutter bindings.
It is a very useful book for people never attempt BB before, because japanese books have less pages and require less steps than traditional western books. No mention the creative ways of the different types of books can be made.
Nothing New:
I bought this book hoping for a new spin on Bookbinding lit. It turned out to be more of the same: lots more stab bindings. The explanations are vague as well. The chapter on Scroll-making was interesting, but overall, this book is not worth the price. If you have other bookbinding books, there's nothing new here.
At the Master's Feet:
As an amatuer bookbinder with varying levels of attention span, I found this book really useful. The illustrations and directions are very clear and can be followed very closely or used as a jumping off point. It covers many styles of binding, tools and paper. I especially enjoyed the pictures where the bookbinder's foot is used to to hold something down leaving the hands free to work. Ever read a craft how-to book and thought...well I could do that if I had 3 hands?
