Rare Book Bindings Explained

The binding of a book describes the material that is used to make the upper (front) and lower (back) covers.  Books are bound in all manner of materials including various papers, cloths, hides and even metals to increase aesthetic appeal or durability.

Contemporary custom dictates that a book in its original binding is superior to most re-bindings that were accomplished after the fact.  The major exception to this rule is when the book has been re-bound by a noted bookbinder with historical significance in which case it is sometimes the binding rather than the book that has collectible status.

However this was not always the case.  In the Victorian age most book owners felt that any book worth keeping deserved to be rebound, usually in some form of leather to become part of your personal library.  This means books from this era (when book owners were wealthy and privileged), and earlier, have often been re-bound making the original publisher’s bindings that much rarer.

THE MOST COMMON TYPES OF BINDINGS & COVERINGS

DUST JACKETS:  Sometimes referred to as dust wrappers are the paper coverings wrapped around the boards of a book. Dust jackets began to be used regularly in the late 1800s where they were originally designed to be a disposable packaging to help protect the book until it reached its owner’s library. The practice of disposing of dust jackets was almost universal until the 1920s when the collection of modern first editions became popular and the inclusion of the dust jacket began to be an important part of a book’s desirability and value.

ORIGINAL PUBLISHER BOARDS:  These are original boards or covers that the publisher first bound the book in. They exist in every book, but today are typically covered by pictorial dust jackets. Around the 1700s to the 1830s when it was considered fashionable to have any book you purchased custom bound for your library. Boards from this era are often very plain as they were meant to be disposable. Because of this rarity, some collectors find original boards from this period quite desirable. Even modern books boast boards that are quite lovely in their own right.

ORIGINAL WRAPPER:  A wrapper is a board made of paper rather than a thicker material (think of these as the precursor to modern paperbacks). This kind of binding was most often used in the 18th century for serials, pamphlets, periodicals and other slim volumes.

MOROCCO: Morocco bindings first appeared in Europe in the early 16th century. Usually dyed in strong colors, Morocco bindings are made from goatskin and appeal for their durability as well as their appearance. This type of binding was Islamic in origin but the name today holds no geographic meaning, merely referring to the fact that the binding was sourced from goatskin. Morocco bindings come in various flavors such as Crushed, Levant, Niger and Straight Grain.

 

COSWAY STYLE:  Cosway bindings are beautiful books with miniature paintings inset into fine leather bindings. They are named after miniaturist portrait painter Richard Cosway. Bookselling firm Sotheran's invented the concept with Miss C.B. Currie providing the art. 

VELLUM:  Originally made from de-greased calfskin - nowadays made from lamb, goat or other skins.

ROAN:  A thin soft form of sheepskin used as a cheap substitute to Morocco and not seen as desirable among most collectors.

SKIVER:  This is the cheapest form of leather used in bookbinding, can often be confused with Roan when rubbed or worn.

METTALIC & JEWELED:  Special editions bound with gems, metals, exotic skins or other interesting materials.