The Penland Book of Handmade Books: Master Classes in Bookmaking Techniques

by Jane LaFerla (Editor), Veronika Alice Gunter (Editor), Lark Books

Every year Penland, the innovative school where crafters from around the world come to hone their skills, offers a master class in the art of bookmaking that’s simply without equal. Now it’s available to everyone, in a technical and inspirational guide that showcases 10 contemporary book artists who have taught at the institution. Four hundred illuminating photographs highlight the crafters as each one demonstrates all the details of his or her particular expertise. Marvel at the beauty of Dolph Smith’s sculptural books, the exquisite structure of Jim Croft’s carved wood covers and metal closures, the intricacies of Barbara Mauriello’s handmade boxes and slipcases, and the secrets of Carol Barton’s playful pop-ups. Reflective essays by all the artists add to the creative excitement visible on every page and in every spectacular project.

Genres: Art, Nonfiction, Reference, Crafts, Books About Books, Design, Art Design

229 pages, Hardcover

First published October 1, 2004

Reviews

[Linda · Rating 5 out of 5]

I took a bookmaking class a couple of years ago and the Penland Book of Handmade Books was the source for the basic pattern idea used. I bought the book to keep the pattern in mind, but at this point in time I mainly enjoy the book for the inspiration it gives me. The examples and artists are fascinating in their creativity.

[Anna · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is soooooo cool. Some interpretations of what constitutes a "book" are really great, and mixed in are some "how-to's" of book making, some gettin greally complicated, some pretty accessible. Very cool.

[Stephanie · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a beautiful, luxurious, well-designed book featuring book arts practitioners at the top of their craft. Some of the examples shown are far-out and super-unrealistic for someone like me, but there are also more practical entries that I can use in my exponentially inferior way. The artists are given space to share their fascinating thoughts, and it's delightful to see their tools and methods so clearly photographed and described. Makes me want to go to Penland!

[Francine Fang · Rating 4 out of 5]

It introduces 10 methods of making handmade books.

[Buchdoktor · Rating 5 out of 5]

Zehn Buchbinde-Künstler, die im Laufe der Zeit an der Penland School of Crafts in den Blue Ridge Mountains von North Carolina unterrichteten, und ihr Werk werden in diesem Band vorgestellt. Daniel Essig, Eileen Wallace, Steve Miller, Carol Barton, Susan E. King, Hedi Kyle, Barbara Mauriello, Dolph Smith, Jim Croft und Julie Leonard berichten jeweils in einem biografischen Artikel, wie sie zu ihrem kunsthandwerklichen Beruf fanden. Daniel Essig berichtet z. B. über sein Verhältnis zu seinen Büchern und über die Bedeutung einer soliden Ausbildung. Essig sammelte seit seiner Kindheit Muscheln, Mineralien und Pfeilspitzen. Er ist der Schöpfer des Objekts auf dem Titelblatt des Buches, das aus 1850 Einzelblättern besteht, und für seine Nagelobjekte bekannt. Jeder Autor zeigt in einem Kapitel "Hands On" die Schritt-für-Schritt-Anleitung zu einer Buchbindearbeit und stellt in "Gallery" Arbeiten anderer Buchbinder vor. Eileen Wallace hatte schon als Schülerin ein Gefühl für die Schönheit von Büchern, sie legt Wert auf ausgesuchte Schriften, Muster und Texturen. Ihre Hands-On-Anleitung vermittelt in 30 Arbeitsschritten eine offene Bindung, bei der zunächst der Leinenrücken an den Buchblock geleimt wird und erst dann die Buchdeckel angefügt werden. Steve Miller kam zum Buchbinden, weil er eigene Gedichte herausgeben wollte und führt in den Linolschnitt ein. Carol Barton ist bekannt für ihre Pop-Up-Arbeiten, Tunnelbücher und Karussell-Objekte. Für Susan E. King umfasst Buchbinden auch Schreiben, Bilder schaffen und Drucken. Sie stellt Fächer und Schachteln her. Hedi Kyle, international bekannt durch ihr Blizzard Book, kombiniert Faltungen mit eigens dafür angefertigten gefalteten Buchcovern. In ihrer Gallery stellt sie Faltungen auf der Grundlage von Dreiecken vor. Barbara Mauriello ließ sich von alten Schubern für Spielkarten zu außergewöhnlichen Mappen und Schubern anregen. Sie fertig in Hands On eine Schachtel in Schrankform mit funktionsfähigen Türen an. Dolph Smith betont das sinnliche Erleben von Buch und Material. Einige seiner Objekte ähneln eher Papiertheatern oder Kugelbahnen als Büchern. In Hands On verwendet Smith Holz und Kupfer. Jim Croft erlag während seiner Lehr- und Wanderjahre in Europa der Faszination für jahrhundertealte Folianten. Er baut seine Materialien selbst an, fällt Bäume und verarbeitet edle Hölzern zu Buchdeckeln. In Hands On zeigt er die Anfertigung eines modernen Kodex mit Metallschließen. Julie Leonard lässt Text oder Bilder ihrer Bücher die Aufgabe der Bindung und des Buchrückens übernehmen, bedruckte Einzelblätter halten das Trägermedium Karton zusammen.

Gerade durch seine Zusammenstellung unterschiedlicher Kunsthandwerker-Karrieren hat mich dieses Buch fasziniert. Die Frage, ob eine Darstellung kunsthandwerklicher Buchbindearbeiten einen praktischen Nutzen für Hobby-Buchbinder haben kann, ist umstritten. Selbst wenn Sie vermutlich keinen Baum fällen werden, um hölzerne Buchdeckel anzufertigen, finden sie in dieser Werkschau genug aussagekräftige Fotos unterschiedlichster Materialien und Bindetechniken, die Sie zu eigenen Arbeiten anregen und die Anschaffung des Bandes lohnen.

[William · Rating 5 out of 5]

A great book on book arts/artist books. Each chapter follows the basic same structure. A book artist describes why they like book arts or how they began, followed by a hands on section where they take you through how they made a certain book and finally a gallery section where they talk about other book artists they like and examples of the work. The hands on section isn't really detailed enough to duplicate the book structures(at least I don't believe I could duplicate most, if any, of them). Probably best to look at those sections as a peek at how the book was put together rather than a detailed how to on the book. For me the book was full of inspiration, and on a few occasions had me reaching for another book with detailed description of bookbinding to see how something was done or how I could apply it to an idea I'd like to pursue.

[Guy · Rating 2 out of 5]

Focuses on specific artists in turn, looking at their work and then a "hands on" section for each that reveals a portion of their process. Not really as great for learning binding as the title suggests.

The "books" featured are largely sculptures with paper or page-like elements incorporated. There are only a few exceptions.

From a book subtitled "master classes in bookmaking techniques," I expected more content related to fine bookbinding. For example, end paper marbling, rare or interesting material uses, heirloom quality craftsmanship, remarkable slip cases and clamshells, and restoration techniques. Instead, though the opportunity is there (e.g. there is a section on boxes) the instructional content is entry-level and mundane, not master class calibre.

[NoBeatenPath · Rating 5 out of 5]

An amazing, inspiring, stunning (and many other adjectives!) collection of artists' books from the Penland school. Not only is there a range of pictures of inventive books, but also interviews with book makers, galleries of work that inspires them, and well put together how-to's from each, explaining a project that is indicative of their work. If you like artists' books, get your hands on a copy of this.

[Morna Crites-Moore · Rating 3 out of 5]

It's a nice book to have, if you are interested in the subject matter (and I am) but it didn't really thrill me. Is that the fault of the book or is it just because I'm not THAT into it? I think, partly, I'm just not at all interested in some of the more extreme interpretations. Also, I just didn't find the book "chewy" enough; do not feel inclined to spend lots of time with it.

[Shelton TRL · Rating 5 out of 5]

The artists who created these wonderful works are considered masters at their craft. For a revealing look at the tremebdous scope of book arts this cannot fail to entertain, inspire, and surprise the reader.

[RF]

The Penland School is famous for its artisanship - and for a bookmaking buff like myself, this book should prove inspirational!!

[Lisa · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a fantastic book. Not only does it include work and student work by/of nationally/internationally known book artists, but each artist describes a technique unique to them. Amazing.

[Mandy · Rating 4 out of 5]

please buy me this book, oh book gods. I am too cheap to buy it and kind of want it. Better yet, send me a full scholarship to the Penland school.

[Gigi · Rating 4 out of 5]

Outstanding examples of book art.

[Girl with Glasses · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was highly fascinating. A great book to read when lounging.

[Gala · Rating 5 out of 5]

one of my favorite droolers. beautiful range of styles and techniques.