English Bookbinding Styles 1450 - 1800: A Handbook

The title of David Pearson's English Bookbinding Styles 1450-1800 suggests a somewhat narrow treatment, and it is, strictly speaking. But this is an in-depth introduction to English binding, and provides incredibly useful illustrations of bindings, techniques, decorations, edge treatments, binders' advertisements, &c. Pearson ably traces the chronological development of various binding styles and materials, including both "permanent" and "temporary" bindings. The final, very interesting, chapter, covers binders' role within the larger book trade. An extensive bibliography rounds out the coverage, and offers many suggestions for further reading. ( )