A Degree of Mastery: A Journey through Book Arts Apprenticeship

In memory of my Father who was an appreciated printer and bookbinder.

"A meticulously crafted description of a writing teacher’s apprenticeship in bookbinding and conservation with an internationally known master of the field. Wilcox tells her story by referring to the copious notes she compiled while serving as the first female apprentice to William Anthony, the founder of the Center for the Book at the University of Iowa. She found that writing down her experiences was the best way to “hold onto the terrors and successes of learning a handcraft,” and it’s her preservation of the freshness of her encounter with a new craft that makes this book compelling reading for those who may not share an interest in its rather narrowly show more focused subject matter. She draws readers into the world of book arts by immersing us totally in its richly descriptive technical jargon: Leather bindings have red rot (a condition that causes them to crumble at the slightest touch), pages are foxed (spotted with rust from bits of iron), books are rebound in alum-tawed pigskin. She describes restoration processes, such as chemical washing, mending torn pages, resizing, and sewing bindings, with such detail and precision that one is left with the impression that he or she is actually learning the craft rather than merely reading about another’s experience. Her relationship with Anthony (who died of cancer before the end of the five-year apprenticeship program) is an integral part of her story, and she chronicles his patient advice and support as he guides her through her first restoration, teaches her to sew her first Coptic stitch across a binding spine, helps her to manufacture her own tools, and advises her on professional matters, such as estimating private restoration jobs. The rarity of such intense personal mentoring relationships in today’s economic climate renders Wilcox’s experience both a nostalgic throwback to an earlier era and a potential model for recuperating current pedagogical practices. Book lovers will love this book." (Book—of-the-Month Club alternate selection) (KIRKUS REVIEW) show less

A neat little memoir of book culture from the conservatorial standpoint. Quite well written, and enjoyable. My only quibble with the paperback edition is that it's printed on horribly crappy paper and has yellowed already ... quite ironic considering the subject matter! Highly recommended nonetheless.

The early chapters made book conservation seem as nerve-wracking as open-heart surgery, at least for this paper-only bibliophile. I also loved the look at the philosophy of apprenticeships as a homeschooling parent.

Admittedly, I'm familiar with the world of bookbinding and the associated terminology. As a result, I may be biased. I loved the book, the writing has a lyrical, almost Japanese quality at times. Most of all, it's a story of friendships - wonderful.

This is one of my favorite memoirs. I have no background in book arts, but had no difficulty with the terminology and thought she explained the work she was learning very clearly.

Although I'm willing to bet that folks unfamiliar with book arts might be confused or bored by this text, for those of us with a love for the craft, it is a masterful tale of one woman's experience in her apprenticeship--something that would-be conservators and bookbinders would do well to read.

Well written, descriptive naratives of actual book restorals, the tools, apprenticeship and requirements of conservancy department at Univ of Iowa.