Good coverage of bookbinding techniques, focusing on case binding. My biggest takeaway was reducing bowing of covers by checking for the grain of the paper and cloth you use to cover it. I never knew there was a grain to paper, but it totally explains why my second project's covers warped. However, he has this totally irrational fear of sewing (and seems to view it as too feminine). From experience, sewing a book is easy, even without specialized tools. This book could be a good way to get into binding, but I really prefer Hand Bookbinding by Aldren Watson which presents a more traditional style while still being quite accessible. ( )

Gross gives a thorough and well organized breakdown of various techniques for repairing books at home with minimal specialized equipment. He walks through step by step and between his text and the accompanying photos there shouldn't be any room for confusion.

This book was published in the 1970's and I couldn't help but be impressed by the level of craft and commitment taken for granted by the author. He clearly just saw himself as a hobbyist and was writing for other would be hobbyists, but the difference between the expectations he had of himself and his craft and what you see in most modern craft books these days was staggering. It's much rarer these days to see craft books and projects that matter of factly expect the sort of time commitment and craftsmanship demonstrated here. ( )