Paperback to Hardcover Without Wrecking Your Book:

In this class we will take a modern trade paperback and rebind it into a hard cover case. There are many techniques for doing this, as a cursory look around YouTube will demonstrate. HOWEVER, there is a lot of dubious information out there, often involving compromising the structure of the book.

This technique uses the existing covers and already robust modern perfect (hot glue) binding to attach the text block to split boards, resulting in a strong and functional hardback binding. We will also build up false shoulders and use a hollow spine to mimic a “real” hand bound book, and use a hooked end sheet construction to reinforce the cover joint.

Students may bring their own books to rebind if they wish.  Please choose something printed within the last 15 years or so, as this class will not go into restoration and rehabilitation of old and damaged books. I will also have a pile of books to choose from if folks would rather work on a sacrificial victim for their first try.

Ironically, rebinding a paperback is at least as difficult as binding a comparable book from scratch. Thus, a cursory understanding of case binding (i.e. Bookbinding One, or similar previous experience) is HIGHLY recommended.

Level: Previous bookbinding experience is recommended.
Dates & Times: Saturday & Sunday, August 15th & 16th, 10am-4pm
Max. no of students: 6
Instructor: Cooper McBean
Cost: $300 tuition + $15 materials

Members receive a 10% discount off the cost of the workshop, among other benefits.
Click here to join as a Member, then choose the Member Rate below.

Completion of this class will qualify you to use the studios for your own projects.
Details on Open Studio may be found here.

ABOUT YOUR INSTRUCTOR
I’m Cooper McBean, a musician, artist, handyman, toolmaker, and bookbinder living in Austin, TX.  I’m largely self-taught using scavenged materials and homemade tools, but have been enjoying filling in the gaps in my bookbinding education since discovering ABAC. I’ve been making books for around 30 years, and especially enjoy making tiny books from scraps and trash.