Don't be afraid to ask your bookbinder questions about the work to be done. Here are some questions that customers often ask me:

 

Q. What do the terms quarter bound, half bound, three quarter bound and full  bound mean?

Quarter bound books have the spine covered in one material such as cloth or leather and the rest of the cover in another material.  Quarter bound book

Half bound means the spine and corners are covered in one material and the rest of the cover is in another material such as paper.  Half bound book

Three quarter bound is a book that has the spine and the whole fore-edge covered with leather or cloth.  Three quarter bound book

Full bound means that the book is entirely covered in one material, usually leather or cloth.                  Full bound book

 

Q. Do you charge for looking at a book?

No, advice is free. It is in my best interests to give you an honest appraisal of what your book needs. You can then decide whether to go ahead with the work.

 

Q. Do you ever decline to bind a book?

Yes, if I think the book needs specialist conservation work or is unsuitable for the kind of change you want. Sometimes I am asked if I can do work that I do not undertake such as thermal binding. Whenever possible in such cases, I will recommend other people who can help you.

 

Q. Can you bind this book -  another bookbinder says it can't be done the way I want it?

Why not ask me and see? I might well be able to help. However, if I can't do what you want with the book I will try and recommend someone who can. But if something shouldn't be done, I will tell you why.

Q. What do I do if I have other questions I want to ask you?

Phoning or emailing me is the quickest way to get in touch. If I miss your call I will get back to you as soon as possible.