Douglas Cockerell (1870-1945) was considered one of the premier bookbinders of the early twentieth century. Many of his techniques are still used today by hand bookbinders. Here, he details the steps used in the hand-binding process, explaining various decorative techniques. He also provides practical details about the proper care of books. This volume is number one in a series of Handbooks on the Artistic Crafts. Topics covered include folding, collating, mounting of thin paper, splitting paper, flattening vellum, knocking out joints, washing and mending, edge gilding, sewing, rounding and backing, cutting and attaching boards, mitring corners, and many other themes. Also included are specifications, a glossary, reproductions of bindings (8 collotypes), and an index.