Title:
Making Books: A stylish guide to creating handmade books, from the experts
Condition: BRAND NEW
Format: Hardcover
ISBN: 9780678464212
Overview:
This modern, stylish and practical guide brings the traditional craft of bookbinding into the 21st century. Making Books: A stylish guide to creating handmade books, from the experts is written by Simon Goode and Ira Yonemurathe founders of the London Centre for Book Artsa destination workshop space that welcomes makers from around the world. The book is designed to be approachable for complete beginners while offering plenty of inspiration for seasoned crafters seeking to elevate their craft. Youll start with a friendly tour of the bindery and a realistic inventory of tools and equipment youll actually use, then move through core decisions: paper types, weights, textures, and how they interact with cover materials. The authors also delve into finishes that add personality and longevity, such as cloth coverings, decorative headbands and ribbon markers. With clear explanations and thoughtful sequencing, the guide makes hand-binding feel achievable, rewarding, and beautifully within reach for anyone who loves the tactile, tangible joy of a handmade book.
What Makes This Book Stand Out:
Unlike many generic craft manuals, this title is rooted in studio practice and teaching excellence. Goode and Yonemura bring real-world experience from the London Centre for Book Arts, translating professional workflows into a friendly home-bindery approach. The book balances aesthetic insight with practical how-to, ensuring both form and function are consideredpapers are matched to bindings, stitching is chosen for durability, and finishes are selected for longevity as well as look. The result is a modern, design-conscious handbook that demystifies the craft without diluting its beauty or complexity. Its not just a how-to; its a pathway to lasting creative confidence, encouraging readers to experiment while establishing solid fundamentals that translate to projects of any scale.
Who This Book Is Perfect For:
Ideal for hobbyists who want to start a personal bindery, students of design and craft, journal enthusiasts, and makers seeking a tactile, durable alternative to mass-produced books. It will appeal to collectors of artisanal stationery and anyone who cherishes the ritual of handcraft. Teachers and workshop leaders can use it as a practical teaching companion, while gift buyers will find a thoughtful, lasting present for creative friends or family members eager to learn a timeless skill. Whether youre aiming to produce a single heirloom volume or grow a small library of hand-bound works, this guide offers clear pathways to delightful, memorable results.
Key Highlights:
- Clear, beginner-friendly introduction to the bindery and essential tools
- Accessible guidance on paper types, weights, textures, and finishes
- Practical coverage of cloth bindings, headbands, and ribbon markers
- Studio-informed approach from the London Centre for Book Arts founders
- Durable hardcover format designed for frequent use in workshops
- Beautiful, design-forward framing of traditional bookbinding techniques
About the Author:
Simon Goode and Ira Yonemura are the founders of the London Centre for Book Arts, a renowned London-based destination workshop space devoted to the craft, study, and celebration of bookbinding. Together they bring decades of hands-on experience in bindery techniques, material selection, and practical teaching. Their collaboration reflects a shared commitment to making the art of handmade books accessible to beginners while offering seasoned makers fresh ideas for expression through structure and surface design. This book distills their studio ethos into a structured, reader-friendly guide that emphasizes thoughtful material choices, precise technique, and an aesthetic that respects both tradition and contemporary craft. Readers gain insight into how two dedicated practitioners approach a project from concept to finished book, with clarity and craft at every step.
Why Youll Love This Book:
If you relish the feel of paper, thread, and cloth, this is a tactile pleasure paired with practical value. The authors clear, methodical approach makes complex techniques approachable, reducing hesitation and inviting experimentation. The hardcover format ensures durability on desks and in studios, while the emphasis on tool choice, materials, and finishes helps you build a dependable, repeatable process. Its a thoughtful gift for creatives and a reliable reference for makers who want to deepen their skills without being overwhelmed. With its stylish presentation and accessible instruction, this book becomes a companion for lifelong handmade-book practice, not just a one-time project.
Please Note: The individual books included in this listing will be dispatched as per the original UK ISBN and UK edition cover image shown in the image.
