Rebuilding the Poultry Book the full story
The Full Story
I have been requested to rebuild this book posting the stages online. That proved to be difficult. Its actually easier to do the steps than describe them, which it does become wordy I have proceeded to analyse this book prior to binding with a description of the faults, and the reasons why I will do the works on its restore, repair, or conservation. I will post on Chickenhistorynow and Victorian Bookbinders facebook, mainly as pictures with a little commentary, and Trewalla.com.au and vbg.net.au. with the longer descriptions. The video version is on the VBG facebook page, and I hope the audio will follow.
To repair? restore? rebind?
I have this one should I restore it as far as possible to original to make it look like its original, or put on a complete new binding , correcting the structural issues, so it can be read and used not just look like its original? Lots of cost difference between the two. A discussion below. Jim
Fine Binding In America 1956
“After all that can be said in favour of retaining books in their original covers, there are very many which for their preservation demand rebinding, even as old rags should give place to proper clothing. Every collector, if he takes a just view of the matter, cannot do otherwise than consider himself as their temporary custodian, and wish to transmit them to his successors if possible in better condition than when he acquired them. Perhaps some critics may still cavil at what they consider a too lavish expenditure, and still vaunt the superiority of the "original cover." If these are good, any renewal of them is unnecessary, but as all books must have bindings, it is surely better to have them well done and even elaborately decorated, no matter when their covers may be placed upon them. The better they are, the better the chance of the survival of the volumes, and the best will wear out soon enough.”