Making A Medieval Book By Hand - Part 3 - Wooden Boards, Carving & Mortising, Attaching the Covers

Hello everyone, and welcome to my bindery!
This is Part 3 of my in-depth video series on making a medieval-style book - for more information see Part 1 here: • Making A Medieval Book... . This series has no speaking and a minimal amount of music for those who want to enjoy the peaceful simplicity of quiet hand-work. For those seeking insights into my materials and techniques, you can turn on subtitles to read my full commentary on the process as you watch! As it turns out, this is almost entirely a woodworking episode, which is not surprising considering that this is a wooden book! However, if you'd rather skip all the woodwork and go right to the assembly of the book you can just jump ahead to 20:41.
One of the key hallmarks of a medieval gothic binding is the material used to make the cover boards: wood. I have chosen red oak for my boards, which is native to my area and, being a very hard, dense wood, it is a close analog to the woods available in medieval Europe. I have selected a piece that has been quarter-sawn, meaning that the grain runs very straight and perpendicular to the thickness, which should make for very stable covers.
I had anticipated that this would be a labour-intensive part of the project, but it exceeded even my expectations, hence this video is dedicated solely to making the covers. I have cut out A LOT of the process, but I hope I've left enough in for those interested to follow along. I begin in the workshop by cutting the initial piece of oak into two boards, which I then plane smooth and trim to final width and length. Then it's back to the bindery where I round and bevel the boards, leaving space for the final hardware. I mark the attachment points, then mortise the holes and recesses for the thongs and endbands. I cut wedges to hold the thongs in place and use them to attach the boards with glue. Finally I trim the wedges inside and out, and the covers are securely attached.
In the next video I will cut, pare, and apply the leather covering. If you enjoyed the film do consider subscribing so you won't miss future installments. Thanks for watching!
List of Materials Used in This Episode
Boards: Quarter-sawn Red Oak
Wedges: Red Oak
Glue: Acid-Free PVA
List of Tools
Pencil
Carpenter's Square
Marking Gauge
Bench Vises (front and tail)
Carpenter's Rip Saw
Jack Plane
Measuring Tape
Stainless Steel rulers, various sizes
Marking Knife
Backsaw
Shooting Plane & Shooting Board
Block Plane
Chisels (1/8", 1/4", 1/2", 1 1/4")
Small Carving Gouge
Stanley Knife
Brass Mallet
Hand Drill
Paring Knife
Scissors
Small Saw
Bone Folder (handmade in-house)
Two Bricks
Selected list of Suppliers (Not affiliated)
Woodworking Tools: Lee Valley Tools - www.leevalley.com
Bookbinding Tools & Materials: George Hill & Co. - www.georgehill...
Writing Materials: Wonder Pens - www.wonderpens.ca
________
You can now buy me a coffee here: www.buymeacoff...
Or you can drop a tip in my PayPal account: paypal.me/Four...
Four Keys Book Arts marbled papers and handmade books are available for sale in my Etsy shop, with worldwide shipping available: etsy.me/2VGqhcr
Follow me on social media:
Instagram
/ four_keys_books
Facebook
/ fourkeysbookarts
All original works of art in this video are copyrighted exclusively by Four Keys Book Arts.
Music Credits:
'Yonder Hill And Dale' by Aaron Kenny - / @contactkennya
'A Song Without A Name' by Poor Inked Endings - Listen to and support Poor Inked Endings here: noisetrade.com...
Image Source Bibliography:
'Fig. 21: Mediæval Book-Binding', from 'Gately's World's Progress', Edited by C. E. Beale. Édition de luxe, Boston : Gately & Co, 1886, p. 283.
'Fig. 8: 'Travail de la Reliure', from 'Procédés de la gravure (Nouv. éd)', Lostalot, Alfred de, A Quantin, Paris, 1882. p. 26
#bookbinding #fourkeysbookarts #handmadebooks #medievalbook

[@LordOmnipraetor]

Wow! I have been doing bookbinding for a bit as a hobby, and I've watched tons of bookbinding videos on KZbin. But you use so many clever techniques that I haven't seen before. Half of the videos, I'm basically just sitting here "Oh my! Never thought of that before." You have made me very excited to continue this as my hobby. Please make more videos, they're incredibly good, informative and tranquil.

[@FourKeysBookArts]

Thank you so much for the lovely comment! I'm glad you can glean some useful things from the videos. Cheers!

[@aresaurelian]

This is inspiring book binders all over the world. This series and this channel I consider a great success. Love how we can see the sun move as the shadows of thy long hours of joyful meticulous crafting gives form to the natural materials. This is good. Gratitude.❤Effort we’ll spent, and most rewarding.

[@katschulz9580]

"Don't groan it was funny" 🤣 yes it was! I loved it and the gorgeous book!

[@FourKeysBookArts]

Haha, glad you appreciate my humor!😁

[@ElveeKaye]

This book is being made to last several lifetimes! No wonder we still have Medieval books in existence.

[@FourKeysBookArts]

Makes you wonder how many of our modern books will still be around in a few centuries.

[@MeganVictoriaKearns]

@@FourKeysBookArts They'll probably only exist digitally, unfortunately.

[@kingding9542]

@@MeganVictoriaKearns I'd argue that it would be better for today's works to still exist in the future in the form of a digital copy than to not be existent at all. I mean still that way we'd have it documented to reproduce.

[@aresaurelian]

We need new carbon based materials, like diamond structured ones, that can accept imprint and retain its invaluable meaning for all future.😊 Digital content easy to access by shining light through a zircon crystal could be a great complement.😅

[@TNT-km2eg]

Comparing this beautiful work of art to digital medium is like comparing daydreaming to real life

[@melindamoore9449]

Amazing. This truly is a lost art. My husband is retired from the printing industry, where he worked for 40 years. I told him about this video. He said when he first started at his company there were as an old man who did hand binding and book makng. He has long passed, but hubs said this type of skill and work is truly unheard of today. You are a true artist. Such attention to detail!! Loved watching this. Thank you!! Schools need to bring back these type of knowledge in woodworking classes and home economic classes. Forget college. Your book will outlast all of us!!

[@CL-we8tn]

This is as close to perfect as a human being is allowed to make on this earth. Once more, I am overwhelmed and humbled by your talent.

[@FourKeysBookArts]

You are too kind! Thank you.

[@kryptykomedy]

I'll second that for sure, also, (I realise it's probably staring me in the face) can any of these masterpiece's be purchased and if so, how and where? I need to own one of these! 🥰😅

[@meganrae2508]

I think the perfectly sawing the board in half and free handing straight lines is what impressed me the most in this part! It’s all gorgeous work, honed over I’m sure is many years to create such a piece of art, but that looked like straight sorcery to do that so evenly without a guide 😅

[@meshkol]

Seriously though. I'm still a bit staggered and while I know it's hand position and steadiness for the line drawing, in theory, I still gawked because I could NEVER.

[@xelous9997]

top notch dad jokes and craftsmanship. You good sir have earned my subscribtion

[@avenfelon2065]

About a month ago I was inspired to create a medieval book and I drew a lot of details of the process from your videos. Thank you for them. I finally finished this book today. It didn't turn out perfect, but I'm happy with it. Thanks again

[@FourKeysBookArts]

Wonderful! I'm glad I could provide some inspiration.

[@shulaney4639]

Unbelievable! You have to be an artist, an expert craftsmen, a master carpenter and an engineer to pull this off. You and all the medieval book makers before you have my deepest respect!!!

[@TNT-km2eg]

Workmanship it is not . Work of art it is . Just to hold it in your hands is beautiful experience

[@TNT-km2eg]

Camera work of a professional . Amazing

[@bimscutney1242]

“Sir you’ve been a book binder for 40 years. How many books do you think you’ve made in that time?” “Seven. I’ve made seven books.” 😁

[@FourKeysBookArts]

🤣

[@bimscutney1242]

@@FourKeysBookArts That was fascinating to watch! Now I know why books were so highly prized. So much work. That and all the containing of knowledge stuff too. 😀

[@scaneagle62]

You have got to be kidding me! I will never look at book the same way again. Outstanding.

[@richardrodgers758]

I've watched this series of videos 3 times. I'm inspired. The perfect occupation in my opinion for someone who likes to create meaningful works of art that have great utilitarian value too.

[@FourKeysBookArts]

Wow, thank you!

[@mbed0123]

"Just..... I mean.... I... You.... No words can express the immense talent and mind bending attention to detail taking place here..."

[@jtcustomknives]

Can we stop and admire this guys skill with a hand saw.

[@clonkex]

Lol at the closed captions at the end. Wasn't expecting your humour to match so well with mine. My sore throat can't take this much giggling.

[@nurmaybooba]

I am loving this series, I am glad I took a chance!

[@FourKeysBookArts]

Me too!

[@kristinsewell1441]

Holy hell. And this is why books were on display as a symbol of wealth... the time and skill necessary to make one is astounding.

[@43painter]

Fantastic ! And yes. I'm still here ! This is a very educational and reláxing video to watch with pleasant music. The slower the video the better, I'd say. I'll go straight away to part 4 and let's hope that will be even slower :-)

[@ilse3887]

Buying a book in that time of age must have been very expensive!! I love seing you keeping that trade of bookmaking( in past times) alive for us..so the little (uneducated) people...can get a feel of the work that they ( and now you) put into making a book!! Not just the experts in the field!! I enjoyed watching you..showing us. ..the trade!!

[@FourKeysBookArts]

Thanks for watching!

[@timothyclark1754]

Not sure what the market in today's world is for handmade books but the price he would have to sell them for would be too high for that average person. Same way as books were too high back then in price

[@clydebalcom3679]

This is fascinating. I didn't know that the original covers were wood. Very interesting and very enjoyable.

[@RAIRAI856]

私が参考にしている動画の中で一番精密だと思いました 次回がとても楽しみです

[@FourKeysBookArts]

Thank you very much!

[@davidkelsey2864]

Oh my, I thought the scribe did all the work writing the text but I now see just how much work went into the bindings and covers. Thoroughly enjoying your workmanship.

[@FourKeysBookArts]

Yes, no wonder books were so valuable back then. Thanks for watching!

[@lestariabadi]

Whoa! Cutting 2 thin planks from 1 board, is no joke!

[@cw2071]

So besides having the loveliest and gorgeous sounding tools in the world, you also make beautiful books. Here’s to having it all 👏🏼

[@miguelrotaeche8582]

One can see that you know very well to sharpen your tools. Congratulations!

[@FourKeysBookArts]

Thank you very much!

[@daveturnbull7221]

You're right - a serious amount of work but the results are looking damn fine. I'm really looking forward to yhe leather and metalwork.

[@FourKeysBookArts]

So glad you enjoyed it!

[@bobm2331]

A Bonsai tree across from the rosemary would be an interesting look. So many skills in a single task of making a book. I wonder if medieval apprentices did leather tanning as well. Thanks for taking the time make to and edit this reflective video. Well done Sir.

[@Jesus_follower726]

Truly enjoyed that experience. Thank you and God bless

[@TorchwoodPandP]

I loved all the details, but particularly the paper-covered bricks! Thank you sharing all the details.

[@Nanakinsz]

This was an honor to be able watch! Thank you for taking me along on this fantastic adventure!

[@FourKeysBookArts]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@Navigator_2.0]

Only now, at 45 years of age, have I found this beautiful craft. In my next life I hope it doesnt take so long. Absolutely a delight to watch. I was mesmerized the entire time! Thank you for keeping this knowledge alive and most of all for sharing it with us.

[@pennywhite9732]

Oh my goodness, I wish I had your talent. I can't wait for the next part!

[@FourKeysBookArts]

Thank you - I'm working on it right now!

[@ericjames9122]

Utterly masterful. I'm really looking forward to Part 4! I also appreciate your quirky sense of humor along the way!

[@FourKeysBookArts]

Yay! Thank you!

[@dpradeep7]

This is really beautiful sir! Thank you for putting such an effort to get this out. ❤

[@FourKeysBookArts]

Thank you very much!

[@TealCheetah]

I had no idea there was so much wood working involved!

[@AM-gx3dy]

What a lovely channel you have

[@FourKeysBookArts]

Thank you!😊

[@traceywelsh9696]

Wow!! This is a beautiful process. I can't believe how we take books for granted now

[@margueritezerbest5269]

Wow thank you for sharing your gift with us.

[@WelshRabbit]

Wow, I just noticed your have a left-handed work bench, too. The shoulder vise is at the right end. Beautiful.

[@FourKeysBookArts]

Well spotted! Since I built it to my own specifications it only made sense to flip the vises around. (There's a tail vise down at the other end).

[@creeationsphotographydesig9892]

I am so impressed with the meticulous planning and creative artistry that goes into the planning of these videos. From the story boards to the execution and editing, these videos look so very professional. Every shot is spot on, and only adds to the story. Your videographer is superb. Then, adding your own artistry to the binding process, the whole thing just blows my mind. You are doing a great job with your videos.

[@danielstellmon5330]

Book making is not my art, but I dream of writing a book worthy of such treatment.

[@Missymessymurphy]

I knew the whole time it would be covered but after watching this part, when you said "now it's time to cover it" I wept a bit inside. Such beautiful work could be left exposed and it would still be an amazing work of art. Also, I love the way you organized your sound & captions on these videos-they're so peaceful to watch, but the captions are so clear and informative. It's clear you keep the craftsmanship level up throughout the video production process as well as the bookbinding.

[@FourKeysBookArts]

Glad you enjoyed it! I may someday make an exposed wooden-board binding, if I can find some wood with some interesting grain.

[@garyleonard9178]

@@FourKeysBookArts i am doing exactly that, exposed wood binding book. find some white oak, quatersawn, it has some pretty cool ray patterns that can really stand out. i just finished planning up 4 pieces, one for a prototype and one nicely figured. how thick did you make your boards?

[@s3skydance700]

Can’t wait to see the rest!

[@FourKeysBookArts]

Coming soon!

[@binatitagain]

You weren't kidding when you said 'hand-made' or 'hand-crafted'. You even use hand-powered drills. Sir, I am truly impressed!

[@JohnnyUmphress]

Exquisitely talented, a real master. I haven't seen the complete series yet but I am not going to miss one of them.

[@MarkKohrmann]

About 26:30, I thought I could see a crack forming in the board, and then I realized it was just the scribed line from earlier... WHEW! Your work is amazing. Thank you so much for sharing it with us. I'm loving the commentary in the captions, and learning so much from watching your well-thought-out and expert processes!

[@binatitagain]

I just checked out your shop on Etsy. My mom has three degrees, including an English Litt. She's read all of the French and English great classics and absolutely devours books! She has always wanted to write. I would love to get her one of your hand-made books for Christmas. I would love to support your art and gift her something special. Thank you for showing us a one-of-a kind 'lost' art.

[@rozelyborges]

beautiful work. a true dream for bookbinding lovers. thanks for sharing with us I'm from Brazil

[@FourKeysBookArts]

Thank you very much!

[@oilysuperheroes7017]

I am so in love with this book already!

[@raarnt]

This was perfect ASMR to fall asleep to. of course I rewatched in the morning to see the process as well!

[@EngNALrashed]

Marvelous,thank you for sharing this video.

[@user-sf5vc7xc3w]

Это что то нереальное, прекрасное, невозможно оторваться от просмотра!!! Определенно лучшая ручная работа виденная в Ютуб ! Извините за эмоции, но не могу быть спокойным. Спасибо за ваш труд!!!

[@RobiBue]

Your talent and mastery in bookbinding are incredible, but even more amazing are your skills in cutting the board in half the “long way” at the beginning of this part! Hats off to you Sir!

[@FourKeysBookArts]

I've been a woodworker far longer than I've been a bookbinder, so ripping a board posed little problem, though it took a LOT longer in real life than it did in the final cut! (Oh no, I've made a pun🤣)

[@ihsanoktay6791]

By hearth by hand and by head. Bravo.

[@58orchards]

Stunning work not only a binder but a wood worker too you are amazing.

[@poepiebuitendijk3988]

No wonder books were so expensive and were treasured , what an art!!!! Your hands look youngish so you can still teach this art to others ?

[@ZombieZPandaZ]

Man I've got to say. The attention to detail, the finesse you show with the chisels, the overall craftsmanship you exhibit it amazing! Honestly never would've thought this much goes into a book, I'm going back to school to go into engineering and what inspires me most is seeing how things go together and just wondering how it all lead up to what we see now and the masterwork presented.

[@agustinbarcelo9653]

Really amazing! Congratulations!!

[@FourKeysBookArts]

Thank you! Cheers!

[@user-lq9pk5ch5z]

Я иногда шью кожаные изделия , но всегда любуюсь работой сденой в ручную и неважно где и кем .Это просто сказка от мастеров.

[@belyndarecycleart9751]

Bonjour Sir Booksmith 😁🇨🇦 OMG you are so peacefull ,relaxing and so pleasent to ear and watch, you are a great Artist and so insperational your Art is Magnifique Bravo J'adore 👌 Yes you have a new fan from Montréal

[@cluek9780]

Love the *eye-balled 7° slant on the hand drill- that only a master would know

[@gabrielalcaide2951]

What a wonderful job! The value of a cover like this, if it would be high today, imagine in the Middle Ages. Hands of a true artisan artist.

[@deldridg]

Just gazing at your end product as it is at the end of this episode, it's hard for me to concieve of any way to make this a more beautiful and desirable item. I am a woodworker though, so perhaps a little bias there with the wood covers. Can't wait for Part 4... [drum roll....]. Cheers from this happy new subscriber from Australia - Dave

[@FourKeysBookArts]

Thanks for watching and welcome to the channel!

[@Fjellafrosch]

This is absolute WHOW!!!! I love to watch the making.

[@triciap1874]

Wish I could stay awake to enjoy this very relaxing video. 😂 The sounds are soooo soothing.

[@FourKeysBookArts]

Glad you enjoyed!

[@andrewturnbull5897]

As a fellow Ontario’s, I know you have access to Lee Valley, as your planes indicate. Treat yourself to a miniature or small router plane for depthing the mortises and maybe a flush cut saw! Your work is splendid and will benefit from these tools even more!

[@FourKeysBookArts]

I actually have all three, but wanted to keep the tool set small for the video. I shudder to think how much money I've spent at Lee Valley over the years!

[@binatitagain]

​@@FourKeysBookArtsI saw the Go train pass in the first video but I thought I was nuts. So my astute observation wasn't so far off after all! Here I thought you were some monk living in a monastery in Europe!lol If I may ask, where in the world did you learn these skills if you're from the Toronto area?

[@daveedwards6567]

The skills and abilities you have shown in your videos is truly amazing thankyou so much for sharing good job,

[@worldartandmind]

Beautiful work. Thank you for sharing! Patiently waiting for part 4.

[@FourKeysBookArts]

Thank you! Part 4 is well underway!

[@banatibor83]

Now this is a hard cover book :)

[@MichaelKingsfordGray]

Thanks! When I did my own book-binding, I made my own marbled paper as well. Very satisfying.

[@markfilippone3845]

May GOD bless and keep you, Brother!

[@homospaien]

this is a skill that has been used, and praticed many times to make so many lovely pieces of art. awesome job

[@superalicat100]

thank you, enjoyed everything so far, amazing

[@arabellachampaq689]

Your photography is really exquisite. Thank you so much for this.

[@Joburgbass]

I bet they didn't do such a good job in the medieval times...😉 - Thank you for sharing your awesome craftsmanship skills. Inspiring.

[@davidhall8874]

Seems like a lot of work for a book with no words!

[@thewaltest]

Utterly flabbergasted by the detail and mesmerized by this series. You’re incredible.

[@suzz1776]

Thxs for doing this series. I have a book from the 1700s that is wood and leather bound. Exactly like this. And I always wondered how it was bound. So this answers my question in exquisite detail. Thxs again. And beautiful work btw

[@usermoyo2290]

Wow!!! This looks truly amazing! How effortful and time-consuming this is! I admire your great work and how accurate and careful you are! And how many angles of the camera, how smooth is the process! Thank you for sharing this video ! Looking forward for the next part!!!

[@FourKeysBookArts]

So glad all my hard work is appreciated! Thank you for watching and commenting.😊

[@brettcody76]

Incredible artistry and craftsmanship. Thank you for your videos!

[@Turgon92]

The book turns out awesome,but the captions man... i lost it once or twice Cheers for the giggles!

[@FourKeysBookArts]

I'm glad someone appreciates my humor! It takes a long time to type out the captions and by the end I'm usually feeling a little silly, so that's the result!😄

[@Turgon92]

@@FourKeysBookArts well i hope i encouraged you to keep them coming!

[@marlinblack6597]

A truly beautiful piece of work and a treat to watch. Suitable for the likes of "On the Origin of Species by means of natural selection" or "Philosophiæ Naturalis Principia Mathematica".

[@deldridg]

What a privilege to be able to enjoy your artisanship! Thank you so much for making this series. I have sent it to many friends and family now. We are an artistic and muscial lot and immersions like this is what we live for! I often wonder if everyone took the time to make something special like this, the world would surely be a much better place. Regards from Sydney - Dave

[@cynthiat6505]

Incredibly beautifully done and shown! I make journals and will employ some of the things you have taught. Magnificent!

[@FourKeysBookArts]

Glad it was helpful!

[@davidlanyon6163]

Thanks you for filming your process. I love watching a master craftsman work and am impressed with the skill and patience you have at each step of the process. I enjoyed the first 2 videos on an educational level, as I don't do book binding. But, as an amateur woodworker, this video is even better. When the video started with a trip to your wood shop, I am envious and hope to one day have one as nice. I appreciate the wide range of skills you have acquired to perform each section of the book binding. I would imagine that a bindery shop would have had a different person who specialized in different parts of the overall process. I look forward to then next video in the series and have subscribed.

[@167curly]

More fiddly but thorough craftsmanship. I congratulate you.

[@FourKeysBookArts]

Extremely fiddly to be sure. Thanks for watching!

[@Bearkb18]

No ruler to draw those lines!? You're a ninja! 👏👏👏

[@FourKeysBookArts]

The old finger-guide trick, it's a good one to know!

[@rjwh67220]

Gotta love the marbled bricks!

[@FourKeysBookArts]

Even reject marbled paper gets put to use in my shop!

[@Virst82]

where where we without books and The Word 🙏😘👌👌👌👌

[@dorisartman]

Wow. I love this craft. Hand made books are still a labor of love, it was so much more time consuming way back then. Thank you so much for all your hard work ☺️

[@kayasempire]

The most incredible artisan I’ve ever seen !! I want to be your apprentice lol

[@ronellbotha1539]

You are a true Master! Thank you for sharing ❤

[@AlxFly]

It's amazing! You have golden hands.

[@jomercer21113]

Came for the bookbinding, stayed for the woodworking.

[@louisea966]

wow - really enjoying watching this come together. masterful work

[@FourKeysBookArts]

Thank you for saying so!

[@gymnosophist7471]

Best channel on KZbin!

[@FourKeysBookArts]

First out of 37 million, yay!

[@gymnosophist7471]

@@FourKeysBookArts hey I wasn’t kidding. But it just occurred to me that I had forgotten to press the like button so I’ll go back and do that now. In a KZbin full of hype and superficial gratification, your videos nourish the soul. Thank you!

[@FourKeysBookArts]

Thank you very much - I'm glad I can provide a tranquil corner away from the chatter. If my channel is the favorite of even one person I'm well pleased. I appreciate your viewership and your comments!

[@stephanieparker1250]

I love your little notebook of designs!

[@swaminathaniyer2647]

You are an artist.

[@emelynebaker1251]

Beautiful x