Karen Hanmer, 2016. 

Contemporary Paper Bindings is a skill-building guide to bookbinding techniques, tools, and materials. Chapters on tools and supplies, ergonomics, signature preparation, endsheets, sewing, spine-lining, and working with case-weight papers precede complete instructions for crafting ten different paper binding structures. Each process is illustrated with numerous b&w photographs and diagrams. The manual ends with with a glossary and an extensive bibliography (many of the resources available online). The ten paper bindings presented here can be constructed in a sparsely equipped studio with minimal specialized tools or equipment. Most can be made with little or no adhesive. 

These structures can serve as an introduction to basic bookbinding techniques. More experienced practitioners will learn how features from multiple bindings can be combined to create a new, custom structure to meet the requirements of any project. The book is also a valuable resource for anyone teaching bookbinding. 

Structures include: Paper Case with Tuck-In Endsheets, Paper Case with Locking Spine, Laced Paper Case with Unsupported Sewing, Laced Paper Case with Supported Sewing, Paper Case with Adhesive Attachment, Exposed Sewing with Decorative Guards, Long Stitch through Slotted Paper Cover, Multi-Section Pamphlet, Double Pamphlet with Tipped Wrapper, German Stiffened Paper Binding. 

130 pages. Softcover book measures 8.5x11 inches.  

Karen Hanmer is a bookbinder based in Chicago. Karen Hanmer’s artist-made books are physical manifestations of personal essays intertwining history, culture, politics, technology and arid wit. Her Chicago studio practice is unusually varied, including small editions of artists’ books, larger editions of inexpensive multiples, bookbinding instructional materials, and one-of-a-kind design bindings. Hanmer’s work is included in collections ranging from The Getty Museum and the Library of Congress to Yale University and Graceland. She is winner of the Jury Prize for Binding in the 2009 Helen Warren DeGolyer American Bookbinding Competition and is one of only ten graduates of the American Academy of Bookbinding’s Fine Binding program. Hanmer is a leader in the book arts community, having served on the editorial board of The Bonefolder, as Exhibitions Chair for the Guild of Book Workers, and as frequent exhibition curator and juror. She offers workshops and private instruction focusing on a solid foundation in basic binding skills.