Book binding is one of the most arcane of mans skills, especially Bible book binding. Its history goes back several centuries. In the present day the ancient and modern skills are combined, even though some type of automatic process is used.
Bibles are used far more extensively than the average book. And because of this they have to be far stronger in construction. The covers and spine are especially vulnerable to wear and tear. Although there is a tendency to judge a book by its cover as the old expression goes, the main components of the book are out of sight.
These covert qualities are necessary for the durability and longevity of the book. Experts in the art of book binding always use methods that will augment the spine.
The spine of the book is similar in function to the spine of a human being. The support the spine gives is crucial to the integrity of the book. As to the quality of the Bible; a first rate bible will always be bound with a good grade hide. Animal hide (skin) has like human skin a unique signature pattern.
One can always tell if leather is of high grade by noticing if the surface is smooth and perfect looking or has snags tears and imperfections. If the latter is the case you will doubtless have genuine quality leather. However, if the surface is smooth and free of bumps and indentations it is almost certainly a fake.
Occasionally splits are employed in the book binding method. Normally these are of a poorer quality of leather and have an imitation exterior. The colour also employed in quality book covers are drum — dyed and not sprayed as in the poorer quality book binding methods. These days many Bibles come in a wide range of colours. For example; black, red, Burgundy, green, blue, and purple. Gold foil is used in stamping on the cover the title and other print. This is usually tooled in using gold or silver foil.
Very frequently the paper edges of a book binding become grubby and look the worse for wear. This is of course due to the extensive usage a bible is subject to. To counteract this problem most bibles have speckled edges which gives greater protection to wear and tear. Since a great number of people form bonds of affection with their volumes even though their Bibles may be perhaps looking as though they are falling apart with the spine and covers coming to pieces, much of the work of the Bible book binding expert these days is in restoration.
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