Binding

Binding refers to the process of assembling multiple printed sheets of paper into a single volume and attaching a cover to them. Binding is a process in book making and is essential to complete a finished copy of a book.

Purpose and Process

Binding is a necessary process in book-making, allowing the book pages to be organized, protected, and long lasting. In the era of the Industrial Revolution, the process of binding was advanced, resulting in easier and faster methods. Instead of the original wood-and-leather to create covers, which were hand-made and bound to sheets of paper, binders experimented and used cheaper materials, such as lower-grade leathers and card or cardboard. However, these new materials for covers were found to be highly acidic, resulted in the deterioration and browning of the paper pages inside.

Types of Binding

Different binding techniques were used in the past, especially in earlier Asian cultures. There are many types of binding, including, but not limited to:

• Pothi: A type of early binding used in China, derived from India and used for Buddhist scriptures.
• Butterfly: Another early binding technique in China, especially used for Chinese codices.
• Wrapped-back: This binding technique solved the problem of visible blank pages in a butterfly-bound book by reversing the way the sheets of paper were folded.
• Concertina: Also known as ''sutra'' binding, this common technique was folded in a zig-zag form, functioning like a codex.
• Whirlwind: This technique combined codex and scroll elements into one.

Notes

Robinson, Solveig C. (2014). The Book in Society. Broadview Press: 65-68