Historical notes -- A framework for thinking -- The fine binding: the principal parts and their functions -- Mechanical aids for the hand-binder -- Hygroscopic materials and adhesives -- Plastics, plexiglas in hand-bookbinding by Gotthilf Kurz -- Leather -- Building images with leather -- Feathered inlays -- Sectioned inlays and the development of maril -- Puckered leather -- Cover boards -- Design for use -- Building surface structures -- Illustrated and painted bindings -- Titling or identification of the book, gold tooling by E Brugalla -- Metal bindings -- Multiples -- Case history of The Pilgrims Progress binding -- Conservation versus creation? -- New attitudes to conservation by Anthony Cains -- Case history of repair and rebinding of an eighth-century vellum manuscript by Roger Powell -- Technical and directional notes from the international bookbinding scene -- App I Planning check-list -- App II Manufacture of leather -- App III Check-list of binding operations -- App IV Adhesives and chemicals -- App V Tools and equipment.