Book Covers And Cover Design
Self Covers
Self-covers are manufactured from the same stock as the internal pages of the book and typically carry part of its printed content. This style is common in newspapers and some news magazines. The binding process requires no special techniques to attach the cover to the book block. Self-covers are generally restricted to more economical binding methods, such as wire side or saddle fastening.
Soft Covers
Soft covers are constructed from paper or paper fiber material that has greater substance than the paper used for the book's interior. These covers serve to attract attention and offer temporary protection, while also carrying part of the piece's message. Paperback books represent a primary example of this cover type. Attachment methods include gluing, as seen in perfect binding, or mechanical fastening through stitching or sewing. The covers are typically cut flush with the book's pages.
Casebound Covers
A casebound cover is a rigid structure associated with high-quality bookbinding. Produced separately from the text block, these covers are formed from thick fiber board laminated to materials like leather, cloth, or moisture-resistant impregnated paper. The cover extends beyond the edge of the book block by approximately 1/8 inch (0.32cm), a feature known as the "turn-in" that provides additional protection for the closed pages.
Casebinding involves several precise operations collectively termed forwarding. First, the signatures are trimmed, usually with a three-knife device that cuts the three open sides in one motion. The fastened edge of the book is then rounded, which enhances its appearance and keeps the pages within the cover's turn-in. Backing follows, where the rounded book is clamped and the fastened edges of the signatures are mushroomed-out. This step makes the rounding permanent and creates a ridge for the case. The book then undergoes a "lining-up" process: gluing a layer of gauze (called "crash") and strips of paper (called "backing paper") to the backed edge. These elements provide additional support when later attached to the case. A decorative headband tape may be added to the head and tail of the book's spine for aesthetic purposes. All forwarding operations can be completed on automatic equipment.
The case itself consists of two pieces of thick binder's board adhered to a covering cloth. This cloth can be printed before or after attachment to the board using processes like relief hot stamping or screen printing. The binder's board is cut to extend over the book block by at least 1/8 inch (0.32cm) on each open edge and to miss the backed ridge by the same distance. The cloth is cut large enough to cover one side of both boards and extend around the edges by at least 1/2 inch (1.27cm). Precise positioning of the boards on the cloth is critical, a process managed by specialized automatic equipment.
The final step, casing in, joins the forwarded book with its case using two sheets called end sheets. These can be the outside leaves of the first and last signatures or special pieces attached during the assembling and fastening operations.
To case in a book, the end sheets are coated with adhesive, the case is positioned, and pressure is applied until the glue dries. Traditionally, this was achieved by stacking books between "building-in" boards (Figure 6-15). This method has been largely superseded by heat-setting adhesives that bond the end sheets to the case within seconds.
Once complete, the book may be jacketed with a protective paper cover or boxed for delivery. Automated equipment exists to handle the entire casebinding process, from forwarding operations to the final sealing and labeling of shipping cases.
Cover Design
Cover design faces several constraints. For books requiring rebinding, considerations must include the book's nature and its historical period—spanning five centuries of bookbinding craft—alongside the owner's wishes, which may sometimes conflict with the binder's professional judgment.
True personal expression in design is only achievable when the designer bookbinder has complete creative freedom.
Automated, data-driven production lines increase efficiency, while a growing emphasis on eco-conscious materials influences cover design and manufacturing choices. These trends support the demand for both high-quality casebound editions and cost-effective softcover options.