The "Lost Gutenbergs" 15th Century Style Binding Project
Greetings Everyone!
We thought it might be nice to post some photo's of our recent Gutenberg Bible bindings. This project is 128 (two volume bibles) that are the rare 1961 Pageant Books/Cooper Square facsimile. This is the first facsimile of the Guteneberg Bible in America, and only the second facsimile produced in the world. A LOT more info on this new project is coming soon!
Enjoy!
Mike & Minnie
Mike & Minnie, October 2008, enjoying a recent binding.
A volume of the Gutenberg Bible (1961) freshly 'pack'-sewn, Herringbone style. In creating the binding for "The Lost Gutenbergs" some of the first historical aspects to ascertain were 1) The Correct Cord, 2) Correct sewing format, 3) Correct thread thickness for which to create the correct degree of swell for this mid-15th century style wooden board binding, and 3) Endpaper configuration. While the cords appear in the photo to be rather 'bumpy', these are easily smoothed out when pasted up prior to covering.
This is a German Primary End-band. In this particular period (Gutenberg, ca. 1455, and still later) these provided the 'core' for the later 'braided end-band', pictured further below. These 'primaries' are sewn so strongly that to try to push them off the book is futile! Note how the end-band cords are laced into the wooden cover boards, and how the wood is 'rounded out' to accommodate these cords.
A VERY close-up of our 'packed' Herringbone sewing. The endemic 'slanted, fish bone' look is not as visible in this image as it is . This photo is PRIOR to pasting up and smoothing-over the spine. Some folks can hardly believe that we are binding 258 Volumes (over 20 lbs. each) in this manner, but we are, and I have battle scars to prove it. There has never been another project like this in recorded bookbinding history.
Minnie enjoying the First Chapter of Matthew. June 2008.
Michael, towered by SIX GUTENBERG BIBLES! When I look at this picture I am so thankful that I LOVE my job! What a burden it'd be if I didn't. We thank God for it all!
Just a small portion of the 'hand finishing' required on EVERY board, on EVERY volume. The board pictured here does yet have the half round channels for the end-band cords to be laced in. In keeping with the period at hand, ALL holes are square mortised with hand made wedges to fit exactly. Much historic finesse is required at this stage in order to give the covered binding that special 'warm', 'smoothed-over edges' feel. Our boards are solid beech wood, and we construct them from narrow individual vertical boards 'keyed' together with strips of beech, and then the whole being 'capped' at top and bottom with tongue-n-groove narrow boards. This construction (completely unheard of in bookbinding prior to this project) makes a cover board that is as solid and unmovable as wooden boards could be.
Another view of wooden board treatment. Done entirely by hand, using an original 18th century wooden block plane (I acquired and used when I was Amish) and wood files.
Right about now is when I start to experience that mixed feeling of 'sweet relief from the binding stages up 'til now', but knowing how sore many more muscles are about to become from stretching the pig, and laying the rolls to the leather!
At this stage the alum-tawed pig is as soft and mould-able as ply-dough! What fabulous fun!
Ah yes, here comes the time when the binder can breath a small sigh of relief, and pray that his/her brass working muscles are ready for the task at hand!
OK, here's the deal. These 15th century German 'braided" end-bands are described in a certain bookbinding 'history' book as being employed as a sort of 'anchor' for the leather spine. I can tell you from good experience that these types of medieval books needed/need NO thin strips of pigskin to create "... a first class attachment at a critical point." It might be interesting to note that when I contacted the author (alluded to above) last year for some advice about the impending 'braided' end-bands I knew I'd be making, he told me he has NEVER made one! Now after having made MANY of them, I really DO believe he's never made one! NOTE: The volume in the foreground appears 'yellow-ee' due to the lighting. The volume in the background is representative of the true color.
HOPE YOU'VE ENJOYED THE GUTENBERG TOUR. There's A LOT more coming soon at a special website: LOSTGUTENBERGS.COM
MICHAEL
I was just about to buy some of your bookbinding videos' on eBay and then the move and no listings... not to worry though, I wait till you are settled down and place my order. Great website! Looking forward to more articles, pictures and news.
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Thanks! We appreciate your interest in BBWS and this BLOG. We anticipate being able to begin filling orders again by Dec. 10th!
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hello leroy
Whats your email address, can send you prices. Web site doesn't have all the patterns. Can send samples.
Best wishes Kate
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Hi Kate!
Here's the email address. Looking forward to ordering MANY historic designs.
LeRoy
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Truly art has met function in this project. This Bible is absolutely BEAUTIFUL.. Keep up the fantastic work and may God Bless your labors!
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Thanks Joe!
Please keep cjecking back on our progress, and pray God keeps us healthy enough to keep binding! : >)
Michael
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Your work is inspiring! Thank God the knowledge and skill to take on such a project still exists in our time.
I have always been intrigued by the Cooper Square Facsimile version.
When they are ready, will you be offering the Bibles for sale at the LostGutenbergs.com web site, or will they be available somwhere else?
God Bless and keep up the great work !
Thanks, Dan
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Thank You Dan. I truly appreciate such comments. It's equally pleasing when folks like yourself recognize the work and effort it takes to create historically correct tomes such as these.
The bibles are for sale now, and are, in fact, selling briskly. You can call us anytime Mon-Sat, 8-6 at (347) 556-7133. Or, email me at: bookbindersworkshop@mac.com.
We look forward to hearing from you!
Regards,
Michael
The Bookbinder
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Hi Michael, congrats on your move back to the east coast.
I will call you later as I have some things I want to chat with you about.
Good luck
Kendall
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