From: ath@linkoping.trab.se (Anders Thulin)
Newsgroups: rec.arts.books
Subject: Re: Fixing Damaged Books
Date: 16 Oct 92 07:38:06 GMT
Organization: Telia Research AB, Teknikringen 2B, S-583 30 Linkoping, Sweden

I fear this may not be of general interest. I want to add some
suggestions to Kay Klier's posting, though.

In article <1992Oct14.230815.7674@iscsvax.uni.edu> Kay Klier writes:
>ncramer@bbn.com (Nichael Cramer) writes:
>> 
>> 1] Any specific suggestions on how to further straighten the damaged pages?
>
>You can burnish a page down flat along the crease with a "folding bone",
>should you have such a critter,

Don't do this directly on the page, though. Burnish through a sheet of
unprinted wastepaper. Otherwise the folder (folding bone) will leave
unpleasant shiny marks on the page.

If the pages aren't sharply creased, the safest thing is probably to
put the book in press for a week or two. Find two pieces of planed
wood, and two pieces of cardboard large enough to cover the whole
book. Then open the book, and place the cardboards on both sides of
the book block, and then the press boards. Put the book block (covers
hanging outside) in press (can be improvised with a pair of G clamps)
for a week or so.  After a few days, tighten the press.

If you feel uncomfortable about this, or in any way unsure, get
professional help. It will be a bit expensive, but it will certainly
be better than risk having a fine but badly repaired book.

>If it's really weak, you can buy some flexible PVA adhesive from a library
>jobber (I like Demco's Norbond) and mix it about 1 part glue to 4-5 parts
>water.

But don't do any kind of paper repairs unless you've perfected the
technique by practising on non-important books.

Be careful if the book are printed on coated paper. This kind of paper
won't handle as much moisture as plain paper.

If the books are 'important' in any way, don't do any paper repair
yourself without lots and lots of practice. A neat repair can be
almost invisible, but bad jobs are eyesores indeed.


>> 2] More generally, can anyone recommend a general resource (e.g. a book) on
>> how to repair/care for damaged books?

* Carolyn Horton: Cleaning and preserving bindings and related materials
  Chicago, 1969

	I think this was published by American Library Association,
	so you might not find it in ordinary bookshops.

	Full of good advice - highly recommended.

In most cases, book repairs are covered in books on book-binding.
Since book repair relies on ordinary binding techniques, although
sometimes applied in unusual ways, general knowledge of the basic
methods is important.

Two books with info on repair techniques are:

* Eric Burdett: Craft of bookbinding
  David & Charles, 1975 (and later editions)

	Has a chapter on repair techniques. Intended for
	serious book-binders, but probably of interest for
	serious book repairers.

* Arthur Johnson: Practical Guide to Book Repair & Conservation
  Thames & Hudson, 1988

	Very specialized work, probably of interest only to
	bookbinders or book maniacs.


>These techniques are "first aid", and before you try them out on
>something you want, practice on moldy oldies that are going nowhere.

Can't be repeated to often. Practice first.

-- 
Anders Thulin       ath@linkoping.trab.se 	013-23 55 32
Telia Research AB, Teknikringen 2B, S-583 30 Linkoping, Sweden