Bibliopegia: Or the Art of Bookbinding, in All Its Branches

John Andrews Annett was the pseudonym of John Hannett, a printer and a pioneer in the study of modern and historical bookbinding methods. Bibliopegia, or the Art of Bookbinding, first published in 1835 and enlarged the following year, was frequently republished and revised, and remains an important work on the subject. The author claims that it is the first practical manual on bookbinding to be published in England, derived from his own professional expertise and from recent French works on the topic. He explains every aspect of the process, from the folding of the sheets of paper and sewing, to the final finishing. He also discusses the various tools and machines in use, and provides a glossary of technical terms. This book is still a very valuable one for bookbinders and conservators, providing information on dyes and chemicals used in the 1830s as well as sewing and binding techniques.