In the small book, of which this is the preliminary chapter we purpose to treat, succinctly but completely, of the various practical operations gone through in the binding of books, and in so doing we shall keep the wants of the amateur especially in mind.

Unquestionably, the bibliopegistic art is one which any intelligent and fairly handy man can practice at home; and as the objects upon which his ingenuity would be exercised come necessarily much into his own hands and those of his friends afterwards, he will often experience the lively satisfaction of being praised for his taste and skill. Bookbinding is a clean and not too laborious occupation, which can be easily practiced in any spare room or even airtight shed where light is plentiful and the temperature can be raised to that of an ordinary sitting room.

We may premise that, after next chapter, we shall go on to describe, consecutively, the various processes as practiced by a professional bookbinder, following each by any expedients which may seem more within the power of the amateur. We shall adopt this course for several reasons. In the first place, it is best that the amateur should understand the correct process as practiced by the tradesman, and, where possible, conform to it as nearly as practicable. In the second place, it will render the book a complete manual of the art, useful alike to the amateur or youthful professional workman.

We must, at the outset, beg those of our readers who purpose carrying out our instructions to lend their best attention to the subject. Bookbinding is, undoubtedly, a delicate and a difficult art, and it is almost impossible to describe some of even its simplest processes. In many cases, the slightest deviation from the teaching will risk inevitable failure in the process described; but to make up, as far as may be, for the lack of personal showing "how to do it," we shall sprinkle our text thickly with sketches of the various operations at different stages, of which we bespeak careful observation.

Bookbinding is comparatively a modern art. The books of the ancient and classic nations were, as most people are aware, long rolls of skins or of Egyptian papyrus, which, when not in use, were rolled up and kept each in a species of circular box. When wanted, the roll had simply to be drawn out of its case and unrolled. The Jews use to this day, in their synagogue services, similar rolls of vellum, whereon is written the Pentateuch in Hebrew characters.

Doubtless, the earliest specimens of bookbinding were those produced in the eastern branch of the Roman dominions, usually called the Byzantine Empire. These were generally of metal gold, silver, or gilt copper. Of course, this kind of binding was produced by the goldsmith, silversmith, and jeweler, the part of the bookbinder proper being confined to fastening the leaves together and securing them in the metal cover'. Of these ancient bindings, some few specimens are still extant.