Posted by
radhika on Jul 2, 2013 in
Book Binding |
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Ever wondered how the book has become what it is and how it all began? How is it that the book you are holding is able to stay in one piece? Let’s talk about how the binding process evolved and some of the history associated with it. Some fifteen hundred years ago, books were bound between hard covers made mostly of leather. Back then, books were handwritten and standards were non-existent. The British Library houses the earliest surviving European bookbinding. Rag paper manufacturing in Europe first started in the late middle ages and as the use of the printing press commenced in the 15th century, bookbinding standards began to evolve. Paperback covers also started to emerge during this period. Modern book binding, as we know it today, was developed during the latter part of the 19th Century and the early 20th Century. During this period, binding automation took several leaps forward. In 1868, binding machines were developed for gluing, trimming, case-making and casing-in. Many of the machines developed during this period are still in use. The technique of “perfect binding” was invented in 1895, but was sparingly used until 1931, when the German publisher, Albatross Books, introduced the first paperback books. Paperback versions started becoming popular and soon everybody was reading paperback books. In the 1940s the DuPont Company developed a new adhesive binding technique, which improved the binding process and resulted in more durable and longer lasting books. Like in most other spheres of life, the post World War II period witnessed an increased demand for book binding. The 1950s saw a dramatic increase in the need for office documentation. The book binders responded to this need with several new binding innovations which included plastic comb binding and Velobinding. These innovations used the process of punching the sheets and loading them into the binding element. With the introduction of desktop publishing, binding techniques were also modified accordingly and on-demand paperback and hardback book binding was made available to the public. In India, organised businesses have recently moved into the business of book binding. Reputed companies dedicated to book binding include BindingServices.in. Along with book binding, the company also provides trainings for aspiring technicians. These companies have embraced the changing technologies in the book binding industry and use the best equipment available to provide high quality services to their...