From the Bookshelf – Books about Making Books
More books! This time – books about books … specifically books about making handmade books.
Every handmade book, be it a journal, a notebook or an artist book, offers its own unique opportunity for creativity and play and storytelling.
Late last year I shared a post about my linocut reference books. Today I’m sharing my collection of bookmaking reference books – books about the making of books, and books showcasing artist books from book making artists the world over.
That’s a lot of books!
Each fold, stitch and cut adds a unique narrative that reflects the maker’s touch. For those of us who enjoy the craft of bookmaking, a library filled with resources and inspiration is invaluable. It’s a place where where the time-honoured craft of bookbinding meets contemporary creativity.
I’ve collected a variety of books in my library that cater to both the curious beginner and the seasoned artisan. Some of these books are windows into the world of artist books, showcasing stunning creations from around the world. Others are hands-on guides, full of techniques and tips to help craft your own handmade books.
Below, I’ve organised the photographed collection above into categories to make it easy for you to find what you’re looking for. I hope you find them as inspiring as I do.
Books About Artist Books
500 Handmade Books: Inspiring Interpretations of a Timeless Form – Steve Miller
This was one of my first books about artist books. It was when the world of ‘artist books’ really opened up for me. I had been making books since I was a kid, but I didn’t know that ‘artist books’ were a recognised artform in their own right. This was an exciting find for me!
Published: Lark Crafts, 2008
ISBN: 1579908772
500 Handmade Books Volume 2 – Julie Chen
It was so exciting to see a second volume published! Another beautifully curated collection of artist books from all over the world – full of inspiration and a celebration of the artform.
Published: Lark, 2013
ISBN: 1454707534
Masters Book Arts: Book Arts : Major Works by Leading Artists – Eileen Wallace
This book is a great resource to see multiple major works from 43 leading book artists.
Published: Lark Books, 2011
ISBN: 1600594972
1000 Artist Books: Exploring the Book as Art – Peter and Donna Thomas, Sandra Salamony
More inspiration, with the artist book structures categorised by their structural form.
Published: Quarry Books, 2012
ISBN: 159253774X
The Book as Art: Artists’ books from the National Museum of Women in the Arts – Krystyna Wasserman
This is a very special book! It showcases more than 100 of the “finest artists’ books culled from the collection at the National Museum of Women in Arts.” It includes essays by Johanna Drucker and Audrey Niffenegger and commentary from the book artists themselves.
Published: Princeton Architectural Press, 2011
ISBN: 156898992X
The Penland Book of Handmade BooksPublished: Lark Books, 2004
ISBN: 1579904742
Books About Making Handmade Books
These first two books below are my bookmaking go-to resources. Both excellent resources, and books I recommend to students as essentials for learning about handmade book structures. My copies of both of these books are weathered and well used. A huge range of book structures and excellent instruction.
Making Handmade Books – Alisa Golden
This book introduced me to the concept of specific book structures. Up until this point I was making up my own structures – fun, but at times frustrating because I was missing fundamental structural skills.
Published: Lark Crafts, 2011
ISBN: 11600595871
The Art of the Fold – Hedi Kyle, Ulla Warchol
I still remember the day I found this book in the Queensland Gallery of Modern Art book shop. I felt like I had found a treasure, waiting to be held and taken home to be added to a library to be referenced, talked about, shared and used. Books that utilise the ‘fold’ to hold them as resolved book structures are my most favourite books to make – and this book is an invaluable resource.
Published: Laurence King Pub, 2018
ISBN: 1786272938
Every artist and author and every book about books offers something new in the craft. A different perspective, a new approach. Fresh ideas and inspiration. Below are more of my ‘books about making books’ from the collection. Some purchased many years ago, some very recent purchases. It is exciting to see the publication of more bookmaking reference and resource material. May the love of making, holding, reading and enjoying books never die!
Handmade Books at Home – Chanel Ly
My most recent acquisition. I have been following Chanel Ly in Instagram @bittermelonbindery for a while now and was so excited to see that she published a book. A lovely book about making your own handmade books.
Published: Page Street Publishing, 2024
ISBN: 164567830X
Bookbinding: A Step-by-Step Guide – Abbott Kathy
I call myself a ‘book artist’, not a ‘book binder’, but I appreciate fully the craft and skill of bookbinding. This book is an excellent practical resource introducing bookbinding techniques with step-by-step instructions written by an experienced and professionally trained bookbinder. “Learn the rules like a pro so you can break them like an artist”!
Published: Crowood Press, 2010
ISBN: 1847971539
Paper – Jeanette Bakker
I bought this book because of its title “Paper”. I love paper – feeling it, working with it, creating with it. So much potential. This is a lovely book about making paper, then using your handmade papers for handmade books, stationery and folders.
Published: Thunder Bay Pr, 2006
ISBN: 159223691X
Bookworks – Sue Doggett
Another very early book in my collection. It feels dated now as I flick through it, but it is still relevant and full of simple instructions to make interesting handmade books, albums and book ‘containers’.
Published: 1999
ISBN: 0823004910
Book + Art: Handcrafting Artists’ Books – Dorothy Simpson Krause
A book of finished handmade artist books full of instructions and tips. A variety of structures, including unbound books and book containers.
Published: North Light Books, 2009
ISBN: 1600611540
re-bound: Creating Handmade Books from Recycled and Repurposed Materials – Jeannine Stein
This book is fun – using recycled and repurposed materials, make your own books with unusual and surprising materials from around the home and in the rubbish!
Published: Quarry Books, 2009
ISBN: 1592535240
Keith Smith’s Books about Handmade Books
Keith Smith has been making books since 1967. He is an American artist and author creating books as art, and books as instructional texts. I’m not sure how many books he has created and published, but while writing this I found another of his books that I would love to add to the collection – 200 Books: An Annotated Bibliography.
I have 4 of his Non-adhesive binding books. I think there are 6 in the series. These books are FULL of technical instruction and valued resources in my library.
Non-Adhesive Binding Volume I: Books Without Paste or Glue
Published: Keith Smith, 1999
ISBN: 0963768263
Non-Adhesive Binding, Vol. 2: 1- 2- & 3-Section Sewings
Published: Keith Smith, 1995
ISBN: 0963768220
Exposed Spine Sewings, Non-Adhesive Binding: 3
Published: Keith Smith, 1995
ISBN: 0963768247
Non-Adhesive Binding, Vol. 4: Smith’s Sewing Single Sheets
Published: Keith Smith, 2001
ISBN: 096376828X
What am I Missing?
What else do you think I need to add to the library?
I’d love to hear from you if you think there is another book I should add to my collection, or something you want to recommend to share with others.
Please comment below and share books about books in your own collection.
My Own Artist Books
I have been making books for as long as I can remember. My love of making and enjoying artist books continues to grow. I’m working on a new artist book project right now. I’ll share more about that soon.
Below are 4 of my own artist books, and you can see more here.
