Edelpappband / “Millimeter” Binding Bind-O-Rama
Entry Guidelines

Following on the success of Spring[binding] Hath Sprung, a Bind-O-Rama celebrating the springback binding, we now announce the the second annual Bind-O-Rama which will celebrate the edelpappband, or as "millimeter" binding as it is called in the United States.

What we call the “millimeter” binding in North America is a “nobler” version of the German “pappband,” or paper binding, hence the name “edelpappband.” The technique is based on the German case (Bradel) binding which is covered in paper. What distinguishes the technique is that cloth, leather, or vellum trim is added to the head and tail, foredges, and/or corners for greater durability, making the book more elegant at the same time.

In Denmark, a variant with the leather trim running along the entire length of the head and tail is referred to the Rubow binding after the librarian who suggested it, but in essence they are all variations on the same technique which can be developed even further.

All varieties can be made “in-boards” or as case bindings, instructions for the cased version of which follows. The style is an ideal introduction to working with leather as only small amounts are needed and scraps can easily be used. And, while the structure is rather simple, and the style an ideal introduction to working with leather, a well-crafted binding in this styles requires precision, well balanced proportions, and exacting attention to detail

This style of binding is well suited for smaller, thinner, books, and with the right proportions creates an extremely elegant binding suitable for editions as well as one-of-a-kind bindings.

Links to other examples

• Bookbindings made by Niels Ole Selfort: At the Danish Royal Library
• Buchbinderei Prade
• Buchbinderei Erich Oberhaus Inh. Frank Moosig: First image at top of page
• Hand und Buch - Helma Osius

Instructions:

A tutorial providing step-by-step instructions (the only ones published in English) was recently published in the Bonefolder, Vol 1, No. 2, 2005, can be found here as a PDF file [267kb). Other sources can be found in the bibliography below.

Entry & Submission Information:

Two digital images (640 x 480 pixels @ 72dpi, jpg file format) of your edelpappband / "millimeter" binding:

Images must show:

• An overall view which depicts the binding at its best
  
  
• Detail of an aspect of the trim.
  
  [E.g., detail of leather trim at head and tail]
• Files should be named as binder's name-1.jpg... (e.g. verheyen-1.jpg, verheyen-2.jpg)
• Images must meet these guidelines to be accepted, and be of good quality.

A very brief description including:

• Binder's Name
• Location (City, Country)
• Description of design (including materials and location of trim used)
• Dimensions (Height x Width x Thickness) in cm
• Instructor / Where learned
• All information must be included to be accepted

Maximum Number of Entries:

• Two

Entry Fee:

• NONE - This is for the greater glory of the edelpappband/"millimeter" binding.

Entry Deadline:

• October 1, 2005.

To Enter:

• For more information, or to send images and description contact: verheyen@philobiblon.com.

Entries have been compiled into an online catalog, which is viewable here on the Book Arts Web as well as in the Bonefolder.

Selected Bibliography

The Edelpappband, or “Millimeter” Binding:

• Henningsen, Thorwald. Das Handbuch für den Buchbinder. Stuttgart: Max Hettler Verlag, 1969.
• Lüers, Heinrich. Das Fachwissen des Buchbinders. Stuttgart: Max Hettler Verlag, 1943.
• Moessner, Gustav. Die Täglichen Buchbinder Arbeiten. Stuttgart: Max Hettler Verlag, 1969.
• Wiese, Fritz. Der Bucheinband. Hannover: Schlütersche Verlagsanstalt und Druckerei, 1983.
• Zahn, Gerhard. Grundwissen Für Buchbinder. Itzehoe: Verlag Beruf + Schule, 1990.

Danish Millimeter Binding:

• Rosenberg, Barbara. Millimeter Binding: A report on John Hyltoft’s Workshop. New York: The Guild of Book Workers
  Journal, Vol. XXXIV, No. 1.
• Priem-Nielsen, A.V., Larsen Knud Erik, Johs. Hyltoft. Den Håndindbundne Bog. København: Forening for Boghaandværk
  Ny Nordisk Forlag, Arnold Busk, 1970.

German Case and Bradel Binding:

• Denninger, Johann C. The “temporary” Binding of Alexis Pierre Bradel. London: Designer Bookbinders, The New
  Bookbinder, Vol 16, 1996.
• Roberts, Dr. Brian A. Herstellung der Einbanddecke (German- style case construction). Toronto: Canadian Bookbinders
  and Book Artists Guild, Canadian Bookbinders and Book Artists Guild Newsletter, Vol. 10, No. 2, Summer 1992.
• Young, Laura S. Bookbinding & Conservation by Hand: A Working Guide. New Castle, DE: Oak Knoll Press, 1995.
• Zeier, Franz. Books, Boxes, and Portfolios. New York, NY : Design Press, 1990.

See also the titles mentioned in the “Edelpappband, or ‘Millimeter’ Binding” section.

Endbands / Edge Decoration:

• Greenfield, Jane and Hille, Jenny. Headbands: How to work them. New Castle, Delaware: Oak Knoll Books, 1990.
• Mitchell, John. A Craftsman’s Guide to Edge Decoration. Sussex, UK: Standing Press Ltd., 1993.

See also the titles mentioned in the “Edelpappband, or ‘Millimeter’ Binding” section.