Rebinding DUNE - Part 1 - Disassembling A Vintage Book: Paper Repair & Resewing

Hello Everyone!
I took a gamble and purchased an old copy of Dune without even seeing a photo of it. What I received might surprise you, and what I did to it might alarm you, but I think all the drama will be worth it in the end. I hope you think so too.
If you'd like to skip ahead:
Part 2: • Rebinding DUNE - Part ...
Part 3: • Rebinding DUNE - Part ...
Cheers,
Dennis
_______
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[@e-artemas7295]

PLEASE do more book binding of classic novels. I’ve heard that you can print texts from Project Gutenberg. I would love to see you binding some classic novels and customize it. I am very new to book binding and my goal is to one day bind my own copies of my favorite novels

[@FourKeysBookArts]

Definitely on my radar 👍👍 Did you see my Dickens project from December?

[@e-artemas7295]

@@FourKeysBookArts I absolutely loved it. There aren’t a lot of videos on YT that show binding a real book. Would you consider binding a copy of Moby Dick with illustration by Barry Moser it’s my dream book to bind (I’m talking about the Arion Press publish but it’s extremely expensive and rare, but the best looking Moby Dick book in my opinion)

[@AirwolfCrazy]

I have done this. I printed and bound Sir Gawain and the Green Knight. The copy I did has the original text and a modern translation. It is seen on cords, wooden covers, and green goat leather. The decoration is a simple 14th C design.

[@FourKeysBookArts]

Bonus points for the green leather, good choice!

[@FourKeysBookArts]

I do love Moby Dick. My list of books I’d like to bind is getting long!

[@davidstone3698]

Archival adhesive and Koso paper. Mr Baumgartner would be proud!

[@-NGC-6302-]

I'll always think of him whenever I hear those words

[@JamethielKnorth]

I just finished one of his before i came here. Fully reversable washi koso...

[@williamwallace9427]

Thought the same 🤣

[@user-bf8ud9vt5b]

Well met to fellow viewers at the centre of the Baumgartner / Four Keys venn diagram. 👋

[@gavinhill3164]

on the contrary, I think he would be horrified to see him removing glue in a manner that damaged the book further. I wish he had been watching Baumgartner, it might have given him some ideas about possibly less damaging ways of removing the glue

[@jhwheuer]

I am fortunate to own a hand-bound hardback edition of The Lord of the Rings. The ancient bookbinder was an acquaintance of mine. He took the three volumes and bound them into one block, leather bound, with gold cuts and lettering. Love this item, as it reminds me of him every time I pick it up.

[@joshuakuehn]

Oh I need to see photos of this that sounds so beautiful

[@majohnse]

Love the tip of sewing two signatures at the same time. Have been binding books for about 20 - 25 years and have never seen that done. Thank you.

[@FourKeysBookArts]

I'm glad I was able to share it!

[@elk45]

If there's one thing art and craftsmanship continue to remind me, it's that sometimes the only way to do something is to sit down and put in the hours. The patience and dedication behind these beautiful processes never fails to astound me!

[@fepatton]

Now _that_ is a labor of love. I’m amazed especially at how well the corner repairs worked. Can’t wait to see how this comes out!

[@dycorty9182]

As a fashion graduate seeing your sewing made me SO happy! I didn't even know sewing was a part of bookbinding!!! Beautiful work!!

[@joshuakuehn]

Yup the page groups are sewn together for the structural integrity the string provides. Then covered to protect them.

[@irene_xiv]

i have a degree in publishing and i am also a seamstress and they are very similar crafts i think, i love how something so simple like some sheets of paper or a piece of fabric can be manipulated and folded and sewn to create a whole new complex object (bonus: i can use many of the same tools for both of these practices haha) this video reminded me of my internship for the last year of university, very nostalgic feeling

[@dycorty9182]

@@irene_xiv Same here!! All hail transferrable skills!

[@HalianTheProtogen]

I'd suggest looking into Japanese bookbinding as well :D

[@XyerDark]

With the amount of repair this book needed you may as well count this as a conversion from a double fan bound book to a case binding, something I don't think I've ever seen put into practice. Truly an incredible job!

[@FourKeysBookArts]

Pretty much, I didn’t know what I was getting into when I started.

[@lawrencemanning]

Oooo August 1975. The print is as old as me. I didn’t like it when Dennis said “almost 50 years old” 😂 Absolutely amazing stuff as always!

[@FourKeysBookArts]

Ah to be 'almost 50' again! Those were the days!

[@lollyhamilton1710]

First the DnD series and now Dune - loving this so much! I appreciate all the time and dedication you put into all of your projects.

[@FourKeysBookArts]

Thank you so much!

[@RideAcrossTheRiver]

Bless the Maker and His water. Bless the coming and going of Him. May His passage cleanse the world. May He keep the world for His people.

[@TomWDW1]

WOW!!!! The spine is unrecognizable! Your repair job looks amazing. Well worth the time!

[@FourKeysBookArts]

Thank you!

[@edendeckard1783]

The guy who sold his copi for 11 dollars seeing it become a priceless treasure in real time 😢

[@itsplovertime]

Honestly, if that were me, I'd be delighted. Glad to know that an old copy that I didn't have space for/didn't need anymore went to such beautiful use!

[@crimsonviper8872]

Well it's not like it would've become said treasure if he hadn't

[@RandomGuy0987]

Gunna be honest, I pretty much stopped reading physical books when I was a teenager. Everything I read is online on my tablet or pc or on kindle. This video made me want to go to my local library.

[@Prince_Sharming]

Please do! I need to go to my local library as well. We can't lose them.

[@cynthiat6505]

Paper is so much easier to read and certainly more gratifying! Good for you.

[@jaymehatfield9540]

There is nothing like having a book in your hand. The smell of the leather, the texture of the paper under your fingers, the smell of the ink, and the vision of fonts, chapter beginnings, and illustrations.

[@TrevorAndersen]

I really appreciate how much work you put into this. I hope this video makes you enough money to continue such labor intensive projects.

[@JoeAuerbach]

Five ribbons is a LOT of sewing, but I don't blame you one bit, after all that work. This was simply amazing

[@navythriller]

A someone who loves books and appreciates craftsmanship, this is the channel I never knew I needed.

[@negotiableaffections]

I suppose 'rescuing' this copy could be quite a subjective argument but even as a 'labour-of-love' project it demonstrates just what can be done to give more life to an old book. Modern (just dip the whole spine in glue) techniques frustrate me because I open some copies made this way and its like a magician riffling a deck of cards into the air - and all single pages too! Modernisation is NOT always Improvement. Having said that, I'm astounded at the patience you have but, then again, its SO worth it. Looking forward to part 2, Dennis, keep up the good work!

[@FourKeysBookArts]

You make a good point. I could have approached this book from a strictly conservation angle; fix the boards and tears, maybe some light repair to the spine, etc. But I want this to be both a showpiece and a working reading copy of the book, and I wouldn’t trust the old binding to hold up for another 50 years. I’m glad you enjoyed the video, and thanks for the comment!

[@nightfan1983]

This video couldn't have been released on a better day for me, as I was having a rough one today. Thank you, you really brightened it :) It's always lovely how much care and patience you put into your work. I cannot wait to see this project continue!

[@FourKeysBookArts]

I'm so glad! Be well my friend!

[@MagnusMoerkoereJohannesen]

This is the perfect way to start a Saturday morning. Big mug of coffee, and a long video indulging in the love of craft. Balm for a frazzled soul.

[@45wraith]

He is the Kwisatz Haderach!

[@Firehawk42]

Your binding skill is eclipsed only by your sheer patience. Excellent work so far; can't wait to see the how the rest of it turns out.

[@SamuelGeist]

It's really interesting to see how much crossover there is between bookbinding/repair and art restoration.

[@shawnraborn6637]

The level of attention and detail that went into this is so stunning and inspiring. I absolutely love it. This deserves so much praise!

[@quakxy_dukx]

If want something truly old (at least in terms of when it was written), you could print and bind a copy of A True Story by Lucian of Samosata. It’s a sci-fi space adventure that was written 1900 years ago.

[@jostrad]

NoooOOoOOOoo the heartbreak to find this is a part one video and it's NEW. I hate waiting. I love this book though and your restorations are wonderful. Can't wait for part 2!!! Thanks for doing this!

[@ametatsu]

when both hyperfixations connect. i learned about washi kozo from baumgartner restoration! I had a leo pointing meme moment

[@007gillrogers]

Watching this series a 2nd time in anticipation of part 4. such great work. thank you

[@RetroJack]

This has been sitting in my feed for a couple of days and I didn't think I'd be interested, yet at the same time, I never got around to clicking "Not interested". Tonight, I thought, "What the hell." and clicked it anyway. I'm so glad I did, and I'm looking forward to watching part two!

[@ThreenaddiesRexMegistus]

Great choice! Next maybe Foundation and Empire or The Book of the New Sun series? All fundamentally important and enjoyable. This is a fascinating process to see and your mastery is obvious. 👍🏻

[@reggietheporpoise]

First time seeing your channel. I love bookbinding, and this is a super cool project. But man, these are some really good shots. Doing these book repairs while setting up the camera(s) for creative and beautiful shots is a hell of an accomplishment. Especially the panning and focus shifting time lapses. Really cool stuff!

[@mags8014]

What a wonderful job. You have such patience to deal with each page individually and finish with a perfect book. I am looking forward to the next part; always love watching you work!

[@FourKeysBookArts]

Thank you so much!

[@daphniebennett8718]

Beautiful. Have you ever considered reminding a Bible?

[@LiraelClayr]

You must have the patience of a saint. I love watching you do these videos

[@Aldo.flores]

This is not only an impressive job, this is a true Dune fan being so respectful on this masterpiece and taking so much effort on bringing it back to life one single page at the time.

[@sanctityjohnson289]

Gosh, I am loving your videos. This art of book binding is such a labor of love, but super addictive to watch. Thank you for the tremendous effort of filming, editing, and of course making books and sharing with us.

[@FourKeysBookArts]

Glad you like them!

[@goodbye3064]

Wow, the effort put into this video... I can see you're finding your video style! I'll be watching until the end of this channel...i look forward to 1 million!

[@FourKeysBookArts]

Thank you, me too!

[@gymnosophist7471]

That intro was epic! As for the repairs, Dennis, you are like a surgeon! Can’t wait for part the second.

[@michaelhinkson6038]

I am so incredibly stoked for this series! The part of me that loves "Dune" is chest bumping the part of me that loves your work. Looking forward to part 2!

[@valeriemacias6285]

Bless the algorithm for suggesting this video to me! I am so excited to see more.

[@Starhartdeer]

No way. That's a lot of work! Those time-lapse shots are actually very epic.

[@damonlecornu5040]

He who can destroy a thing can control a thing. Or, you know, restore it. Love the rebinding videos!

[@MindBlowerWTF]

Got here randomly and Im glad I did. Amazing work.

[@valarya]

Archival glue and Japanese kozowashi paper; I wonder if youtube recommended this channel to me because I watch Baumgartner Restoration and love books. 😂Either way, I'm not mad! This is hypnotizing, and incredible cool. (Also hello, love Dune 💜)

[@timothynaquin8899]

I'm not a big reader. I have only a few books I actually enjoyed. But I do find your videos interesting and enjoyable

[@drawingmomentum]

Great job! Decades ago, I rebound a copy of black elk speaks. It was single pages like this. I used a unique binding method that was similar to Japanese binding method. I studied fine arts press and got my degree at UNO decades ago. I still bookbind unique pieces. 😊

[@DuluthTW]

I found your step-by-step depiction of removing the glue and mending the torn pages VERY valuable. Thank you for sharing!

[@Saavik256]

As a printer and bookbinder by trade, I cannot say enough how much I enjoyed this video. So amazing

[@brandonmack111]

Those repairs were so incredible! Great work on this one - I very much look forward to part 2.

[@Belzediel]

Any day with a Forky video is a good day. Also, first? Edit - Nice, always good. Looking forward to the next one. I trust, given Dune, there'll be some sandpaper...

[@FourKeysBookArts]

This is the pun I needed today!🤣 Thanks!

[@FredericoLaydner]

I don't know how I ended up here, but I am amazed by the work you're putting on this book. Beautiful work 💜!

[@OakenBlitheness]

After you did your DnD books, I wanted to do this with my Dune books!!

[@CarrilloDude1]

At 4:45, I saw the address of what I presumed was the original owner. The city of Fontana caught my interest as I live in it, and the address is a little over a mile away from me. I thought it was really neat that a book started its journey from the factory, to where I live, and over 50 years later it ends up in your hands

[@jcortese3300]

I have to admit, a planed gilt fore-edge seems like a good choice for a book like this, if only because it seems to scream out for a hidden fore-edge painting. 🙂 Beautiful work as always!

[@underverse2006]

I'm amazed how much you spoiled us in this video. I kept looking at the time left in the video and being shocked you kept going! With all the hours you put into this video there were several times I thought "surely it will end here" but there was still more and more! Thank you for sharing and great work

[@maryharrison5883]

You are an artist in bookbinding. I can tell this book is a labor of love. Can't wait for the next video segment.

[@imanlomr2348]

Hello from Azerbaijan!

[@FourKeysBookArts]

👋 Hi, thanks for watching!

[@chrisbrannigan6210]

This is amazing. Thank you for the great photography and clever editing of your work.

[@IrchaMan]

I clicked on this video thinking "how can a rebind be 2 half hour long vid... oh.... I see " Fantastic work! :D

[@octopirate]

Your sweater perfectly matches your profession

[@jonduke4472]

You've watched too much restoration YT when you wonder if the mulberry paper would be good to use before it comes out. Thanks Julian.

[@Crafter_H]

😂

[@soloflo]

Advanced Book Bindery… Building… Building… Ready. 😆

[@theawecat27]

that's amazing, when you said 136 leaves of paper i had thought it didn't sound nearly as long as the book i read, but then i realized later that there are 4 pages per sheet of paper. so many pages to bind this was really impressive!

[@joaoalbertodosanjosgomes1536]

YOU TALK VERY WELL. CONGRATULATIONS. WORK VERY WELL AND TALK VERY WELL. I ENVY WHAT YOU DO. BOOKS ARE EVERYTHING.

[@TorieKidd]

This is phenomenon! I've never watched anything like this before but all of this, cinematography, sound never mind the techniques themselves... exquisite 🎉

[@younghex9577]

This man is a true craftsman. Amazing work

[@Admiral_Lynx89]

That janky old piece of bee's wax is starting to become a bit of a channel mascot to me. 😅 More seriously, though, I am really appreciating learning more about these methods, and techniques of repair that I've never even heard of. This absolutely separates itself as a standout show of what a repair from core of a person's being looks like when done with care, patience, and even love. Looking forward to part two for sure, and I really hope this has a chance to be seen by every bookbinding enthusiast, even the non-hobbyist enjoyers who just like watching.

[@FourKeysBookArts]

I’ll have to give that bit of wax a farewell video when it finally bites the dust!

[@janpreisig9640]

Thats so crazy, love your work❤i would never have the patience for such a project

[@GreenGrasshoppa]

Man!! This rebinding is a journey in itself. Also, your choice of music for this vid is wonderful. Now on to Part 2. 💚

[@aaronh.7672]

This is extremely fascinating to watch. I know nothing about book binding but I always found this talent interesting. I love the old world antique look and feel of things. Can't wait for the next part!

[@FourKeysBookArts]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@nathanlewis1918]

I don't know how I ended up here, but amazing job! Loved the time lapse sections.

[@Musabre]

Part 1 really set the stage and introduced the main concepts of this book rebinding. But don't worry, part 2 will be where the real rebinding action takes place, and stars Christopher Walken, Florence Pugh and Austin Butler!.

[@auntielaura5]

Thank you for this amazing video, and for giving Dune its rightful place in science fiction literature. I remember reading it for the first time in the early 1980’s and being blown away. No other science fiction that I’ve read has come close to creating such a compelling, strange and cohesive world. None of the subsequent books in the series have interested me, but Frank Herbert will always be celebrated for Dune.

[@benjiviews4300]

You are a very patient person, I really respect your dedication and professionalism

[@nicolaspeters5980]

Dune is my favourite novel. Good to see you doing this project. That was a massive pain of a project though hahaha

[@ThomasWGordon]

I don't know how I came across your video but I have been watching lots of Dune content recently. I'm an online educator, so I see lots of how-to videos. I loved the pacing, and how you explained and captured your process. Great production values! I've been interested in book binding and art restoration but I've not seen something at this level before. I'd love to see more videos from you 🤩

[@star_man]

Your care, dedication, and patience are amazing. That was truly a labour of love, and absolutely wonderful to watch.

[@TSIRKLAND]

Watching a consummate and practiced artisan work their craft with skill and precision is always, always a treat! I've been a subscriber for a little while, seen several of your videos already. Always a pleasure to watch you do your thing. (BTW, your video capture and editing are also superb: well-lit, cozy, good angles to show the process that are also visually interesting. Edited in a non-rushed way, but skipping over the repetitive parts so it doesn't get bogged down. Just right!) I consider myself a fairly patient, fairly meticulous person - when I have to be. More than some, less than others. You definitely fall into my "less than others" category: as in, I am way less patient and way less meticulous than you! I HIGHLY admire your patience, most of all! I don't know if you are truly as zen as your videos portray, or whether you simply edit out the cursing and frustration parts, or a little of both. But however things go in the moment, you obviously have a "let's roll up our sleeves and get to work, because this book ain't gonna clean and re-bind itself" attitude. Which I SO admire! I'm super excited to see the rest of this process; can't wait for part 2!

[@g00se_ars0nist]

this video is exactly what i needed in life, i feel complete

[@guyloren]

Absolutely wonderful work, Dennis- can't wait to see what you have planned for the cover! Also, perfect timing for this project, of course... 😉

[@FourKeysBookArts]

I wanted to launch last Friday but didn't quite make it, oh well!

[@moocowpong1]

The paper repair was so much effective than I expected!

[@ravent3016]

What a labor of love! Thanks for sharing. I will go watch the second part now.

[@michaelrosa700]

This was an absolute pleasure to watch. As an amateur book binder, you’re a huge inspiration ❤

[@andyclaude6227]

Just watched the new movie yesterday! The book looks great so far can't wait to see the finished tome!

[@FourKeysBookArts]

Thanks! I need to take a break from bookbinding to go see it!

[@Him_Him_]

I know it’s huge but you do a book binding video on game of thrones

[@JasonCoulston]

This project is amazing. I got hooked on your D&D tome and immediately subscribed. Your repair work on the torn pages is genius and the pacing and tone of the mess series is wildly relaxing. Keep it up, looking forward to episode 2!

[@girlwhopeeked]

It is soo nice and calm, too see the fine care, to old pages! 👍

[@FourKeysBookArts]

Thanks so much 😊

[@hellsingmongrel]

I was just with my mom when she found some EXTREMELY damaged heirloom bibles handed down from the family, during our recent move, and she was thinking about repairing or rebinding them. This came out at the PERFECT TIME. Now to see if it might show me what I need to do to do that!

[@red5724]

This channel is a treasure. Thank you for making these!

[@Andrew-sk1re]

I absolutely love watching you work and how you explain your methodology and thought process. Hope to see more of this rebinding soon!

[@ironbomb6753]

I find this craft and the way its presented fascinating. Id li,e to do this myself one day. ❤

[@robertlavery6896]

I love books, just having them on my shelf makes me smile. I never considered book binding as a career, i think i might have to look into this.

[@milseq]

I think I found one of my new favourite channels. Like Baumgartner restorations, but for books!

[@seanhayes2998]

Amazing work. I don’t have the patience to do that, but I’m so glad that you do.

[@gergol68]

What a great video! I abandoned one of my biggest book binding project because of the damage the book has. You gave me hope with this signature repair section in the video. Thank you!

[@pennythedomelady]

"It's gonna take a while." HA! Understatement of the day! I admire your tenacity and commitment, but also kinda think you are crazy! 😜

[@FourKeysBookArts]

It's a prerequisite I think.

[@rodlanemba]

Dennis you are such a great teacher, I watch you frequently and am thrilled you did Dune. Tolkien is my favorite author myself and Id like to do an old hobbit someday applying what youve taught me. Right now, just doing my signatures and making a few journals.

[@KenDay]

So good to see a craftsman at work. Thank you

[@Blanzinn]

I don't know why youtube recommended me this video but I'm really glad it did, I spent the whole time in awe of the amount of skill and relaxing manner you narrate these videos. Well done so far and I can't wait for the next video!

[@comegetzome]

I love the attention to detail. I'd love to make this a hobby of mine

[@VideoZeh]

Beautiful work, Dennis. Thank you for this wonderful channel