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The Kid Should See This

The art of making a book: Setting type, printing, and binding by hand

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Before machines automated the process of printing and binding books, but after books were made with handwritten pages or large, hand-carved wood blocks, books were typeset with small metal pieces, printed, and bound/sewn by hand. Today, it’s an art form. This V&A video (updated) demonstrates the process.

inking the letterpress letters
rounding the stitched edge
attaching the book spine to the cover
Related DIY: Bookbinding Techniques.

Related videos on TKSST include:
Upside Down, Left To Right: A Letterpress Film
• PBS Off Book series: Typography
• Printing with a 2000lb cast-iron Kluge Letterpress machine
• DIY Bookbinding: Make a sketchbook with a cereal box, paper, and thread

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