Making A Medieval Book By Hand - Part 4 - Paring and Applying Leather

Hello everyone, and welcome to my bindery!
This is Part 4 of my in-depth video series on making a medieval-style book - for more information see Part 1 at the link below. 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!
This installment in the series is devoted to covering our book in leather. That simple statement may make it seem like a straightforward task, but in reality it is a multi-step process that requires a great deal of care to execute.
To make the process a bit more manageable I break it down into two main stages: attaching the leather to the spine, and pasting down the covers and doing the turn-ins. In addition, the only adhesive I'm using in this video is wheat flour paste. The paste has a very long working time, which means I can perform all the various operations required without the stress of the glue setting up before I'm ready. It also helps to soften the leather, which helps it mold to the many contours of the binding. When dry the paste is extremely strong, and what's more, it is an entirely appropriate medieval adhesive, so I think it's fitting. I make the paste myself with this simple recipe:
Wheat Flour Paste
2 tbsp (18 g) white flour (strong flour or bread flour preferred)
1 cup (250 ml) water
Combine the flour and water in a double boiler or bain-marie and cook over medium heat for about 10 minutes, whisking constantly until thick and smooth. Transfer to a clean jar and cool completely. When cooled the paste should be solid, with a jelly-like consistency. Force the cooled paste through a sieve 2-3 times until smooth. Add a bit of water to thin to the desired consistency if necessary. Store in the refrigerator and use within 2-3 days.
In the next episode I will be hand-crafting all of the brass hardware for the book, so do consider subscribing and activating your notifications so you won't miss out! And if you're new here or have missed any of the earlier installments in this series, you can find them here:
Part 1 - Folding Pages, Endpapers, Piercing & Sewing: • Making A Medieval Book...
Part 2 - Trimming & Rounding, Edge Decoration, Sewing Endbands: • Making A Medieval Book...
Part 3 - Wooden Boards, Carving & Mortising, Attaching the Covers: • Making A Medieval Book...
Thanks for watching!
________
List of Materials Used in This Episode
Veg-tanned Goatskin Leather - 1 mm
Wheat Flour Paste
Water
List of Tools Used in This Episode
Stainless Steel rulers, various sizes
Stanley Knife
Paring Knife
Double-Sided Leather Strop
Green Honing Compound - .5 micron
Paring Stone
White Pencil
Black Marker
Natural Sponge
Paste Brush
Laying Press with Tying-Up Peg attachments
Bone Folder
String
A Soft Cloth
Various bits of scrap card / waste paper
Scissors
Micro Spatula
A Brick
Blotting Paper / Release Paper
Pressing Boards
Selected list of Suppliers (Not affiliated)
Woodworking / General Tools: Lee Valley Tools - www.leevalley.com
Bookbinding Tools & Materials: George Hill & Co. - www.georgehillco.com
Writing Materials: Wonder Pens - www.wonderpens.ca
________
You can now buy me a coffee here: www.buymeacoffee.com/fourkeys...
Or you can drop a tip in my PayPal account: paypal.me/FourKeysBooks?local...
Four Keys Book Arts marbled papers and handmade books are available for sale in my Etsy shop, with worldwide shipping available: etsy.me/2VGqhcr
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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/poorinkedendin...
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

[@adammaisano7962]

I will be honest, I seriously got twitchy when you did the corners of the leather. I can’t wrap a square box in gift wrap without making it look like a hot mess! Bravo to you good sir!!

[@serenitygoldenharp]

Watching you create this stunning book was like watching a holy person at prayer. Thank you for this moment of solace.

[@remyaworld1]

So I stumbled upon the first chapter and thought: Okay this may be interesting. Then it really catch me. I'd never realized that making a book at that time took so much effort 😳 I have to say that your skills and work you put in to this was amazing. I will never see an old book again and just think... Okay it's a book. I was really very excited and definitely I will follow you and your videos. Greatly thank you for showing me this highly grated craftsmanship. Love it.

[@bobm2331]

I spent some time in my college Library's Incunabula section. Saw several books like this. It was cool to read the Latin but I had no idea the skill behind making such a book. Interesting to see it now. Well done Sir.

[@joanklaczek4009]

I’m so appreciative of the contortions you must go through to give us an unobstructed viewing of your work. Excellent videography.

[@FourKeysBookArts]

Thanks for noticing! It can be awkward sometimes for sure.

[@deldridg]

Gorgeous work Dennis. As a woodworker, glue-ups can be absolutely terrifying to me. I did hold my breath a few times in this one - didn't know you were producing a thriller did you?! It must be said that you've put an incredible amount of time into the filming and production here and that it's a fabulous record and greatly appreciated by so many. Thank you - Dave

[@FourKeysBookArts]

Thank you for saying so. And I cut my teeth as a woodworker, so I know all too well the stress of a big glue up! Like when all of those dovetails that fit so well in the dry fit start to swell from the glue, and no number of clamps or hammering will bring the joints closed. The worst!

[@TAlexander]

Hi there, I just wanted to leave a big THANK YOU for your videos. I'm in the process of making my own medieval book and your tutorial has proven to be invaluable. Of course I don't have any of your fancy tools, but I could improvise most of it using a couple of wooden boards and four F-clamps. My book is actually a reproduction of a real medieval (or technically renaissance) book from 1502. Luckily for me, the original was a small, simple and (comparatively) cheap book, meaning I won't have to make it very fancy, no metal work or decorated cuts. The vast majority of my work actually went into preparing the content. I created my own font which looks just like the original and then I typeset the entire book to look exactly like the one from 1502, word for word, line by line, page by page. Originally I had planned to have it professionally printed, but thanks to your videos, I could do it all by myself despite not having any prior experience whatsoever. It is not only fun, but also makes the book so much more authentic. The result is of course not perfect, not nearly as polished as yours, with lots of small mistakes, but given what the original book was, I think I can get away with it and I'm sure it'll look great in the end nonetheless. Plus, I have learned some things along the way, so should I ever attempt to do it again, I'm sure it'll be even better. Currently, I'm applying the leather using your wheat-paste. The spine is drying as type this. Only a few more days until it'll be done. So once again, thank you for these videos.

[@christieintexas]

Beautifully done and, the video was so relaxing to watch. Thank you for keeping it pure and, not adding crappy music to it. This was truly an enjoyment to watch.

[@daveturnbull7221]

Absolutely awesome looking book so far Dennis. This series is fast becoming one of my favourite methods of relaxing as well as an invaluable learning experience 👍

[@FourKeysBookArts]

Thanks! Glad you're enjoying it.

[@jcortese3300]

I have to admit, part of what me joy watching this series is watching a LEFT-HANDED CRAFTSMAN. So often, I see righties doing this sort of thing and think that I probably can never do it because I won't be able to find proper tools that work for me. It's wonderful to see someone using tools made correctly for left-handed use, because it means that somewhere out there, the tools exist.

[@FourKeysBookArts]

It can be challenging as a lefty for sure, but not impossible. I'm glad I finally got a proper left-handed paring knife though - so much easier.

[@stots46]

i’ll never complain about the cost of an old book again. Beautiful Work.

[@Tannius]

Now I know why Silverfish were such a bane of librarians in the old days. I knew they ate the paste in the bindings but it never struck me just how destructive that could actually be until I watched this. I am simply in awe of your skill.

[@richardrodgers7311]

"YES!" (said with a double-fist-pump). I've been looking soooo forward to seeing this installment.

[@richardrodgers758]

Yes. Me too. I have watched this series already four times through. I need closure!

[@richardrodgers7311]

@@richardrodgers758 Hey! You have the same name as me!

[@richardrodgers758]

@@richardrodgers7311 Yes! You are right. I like to multi-task :)

[@bigbadgrowlybear7972]

Oh man! That paring cut at 3:28 was just so agonisingly delicious. I let out a quiet: “Yes!”. Wife watching over my shoulder looking at me like I have 2 heads! How did the rabbit hole lead me to this I don’t know, but I’m loving your vids thanks. You have skill my man.

[@axelgs11]

My life that was interesting. The little wedges holding the leather 😨gobsmacked. Excellent series and we'll filmed.👌

[@hatedcritic8066]

I think what doesn't really get any attention is how well-crafted the videos themselves are. The details like what you are wearing, the background tools, the tools being used, and the general golden look of everything. No poor audio or blaring music. Also, well edited. Your narration, when included, is also very nice.

[@inkmastertim]

What a beautiful job, start to finish! I'm beginning to understand why books were considered expensive luxuries until more recent times!

[@tonywatson987]

@14:05 - yes I did! I have a bit of a 'thing' for old scissors - the weight, solidity and stiffness of the blades, not to mention the sharpness and quality of the steel. You can pick these up at flea markets for peanuts, but similar quality new ones cost a fortune! I've covered a few boxes, so I understand the frustration of those blasted corner folds! Great video, as always - thanks!

[@FourKeysBookArts]

It's hard to appreciate how bad some scissors can be until you use some really good ones. Thanks for watching!

[@UlrichVIII]

is incredible how much difference the leather wrap does, really beautiful! cant wait for it to be finished

[@FourKeysBookArts]

I totally agree - once the leather is on it really comes together visually. Thanks for watching!

[@judihopewell2499]

A master craftsman for sure. I watched those corners over and over and still cant do them…..talk about men in sheds..this guy deserves an atelier…..

[@FourKeysBookArts]

I definitely fit the description of 'man in shed'!😂

[@jasonrutt1122]

You. Do B-E-A-U-TIFUL work. My Aunt Donna used to do the same thing, until the book store she worked at, went out of business. She said she absolutely loved this type of work.

[@azulmarine4093]

You can literally fill this book with quotations from Sponge Bob illustrated by a Bob Ross impersonator and it will STILL be a masterpiece! This is ART my guy!

[@FourKeysBookArts]

Ironically, that's exactly what I had planned for it. 😂

[@tsuki8957]

personally i would have been done at part 3. The beauty of the wood and the natural look of the spine was absolutly stunning.

[@gymnosophist7471]

That was a breath of fresh air! Thank you!

[@FourKeysBookArts]

You are so welcome!

[@richnorman7058]

Far and away the most patient man on the planet. 😊

[@NagemYelmul]

I need to go back and rewatch the first part and part of the second with the subtitles on. They make the experience so much more worth while. You are an absolute delight.

[@FourKeysBookArts]

Aww thank you!

[@rex8255]

I was marveling at all of the craftsmanship that went into that book. Something that wouldn't be done today, as it's just to easy to knock out a few hundred copies and they don't have to be particularly durable, and aren't that expensive. But back when techniques such as yours were used? The book was written with a pen and ink, and it would have been silly NOT to put in the work to ensure that all that work was not only preserved, but that the book could be read, used as a reference, etc. for decades. Everything about a book in those days required such excellent craftsmanship (the calligrapher, the artist that did the illumination, and of course the book binder).

[@FourKeysBookArts]

Very true, and very well said!

[@wagnerduro]

Watching this series is a poetic treat and leave because time does not matter, just appreciate it. Beautiful work

[@louGriggs1944]

I am amazed at your skill in putting a bevel on that leather. Of course, all your other skills are pretty awesome too. Thanks.

[@fedecano7362]

8:55 now I precisely know how those bumps are formed, of course... by those twirly leather pieces that bind the book together, fascinating indeed!

[@52memor]

THIS SERIES HAS BEEN A JOY TO WATCH Thank you

[@FourKeysBookArts]

You are so welcome!

[@nmime]

A true artist. Thank you for keeping alive this tradition.

[@mingshey]

11:06 I think trucker’s hitch, taut line hitch, or in-line automatic trucker’s hitch are what you are looking for. You can find tons of videos for them. Usually used with thicker ropes or parachute cords, but I also used them with 2mm cord slings, too.

[@FourKeysBookArts]

Great suggestion! I love the trucker's hitch when I'm camping; sadly the thread I was using here was actually pretty weak and I actually broke it a few times in the process. It would never stand up to a trucker's hitch. Next time I'll use stronger thread!

[@kahnlives]

You’re skill set is seriously off the charts. 👏👏👏👏👏👏

[@dijohnson7]

If people ever enter attention to detail in a browser the first thing to come up should be this series of videos, your work is truly amazing.

[@kcg3927]

Rare craftsmanship

[@jthepickle7]

The part where only certain portions of the leather are pre-wetted, to allow stretch and, as usual toward the end, the most artful.

[@CMTHFAF]

This series of videos is better than anything on Netflix, Prime, and all the networks put together!

[@noieray2084]

Just beautiful. Everything from the craftsmanship to the editing and creating of this video serious. Thank you so much. I spent the whole morning watching. I would love to purchase one of your handmade leather journals. I hope you make them available soon on your Etsy.

[@clubsoda85cook55]

My wife does book mending at our local public library and i am so sharing this series with her. Great job and beautiful craftmanship.

[@z.veronica8908]

Your hands are magic and I absolutely adored the book pre-leather. I've been watching these videos one after the other. Do I need sleep? Sure. Do I have things to do? Absolutely. It can all wait.

[@ramtough86]

This guy is probably very good at wrapping Christmas presents

[@shulaney4639]

Fabulous!!!

[@nikimoss8675]

Gorgeous!

[@Kuro_Tsuki]

Creating the masterpiece to contain the knowledge/adventure within is, in itself, an adventure. The scent of the paper... The feel of the wood... The smell of tanned leather... I would love to experience the thrill of watching a book binder work their magic in person; your channel provides the best experience in lieu of being there. Thanks to you and your fellow professionals, I still have an important first-edition book, handed down from my step-father, after he was taken by cancer 11 years ago today.

[@inkland2003]

so beautiful!

[@tetchuma]

Beautiful

[@robogat_the_real]

Absolutely stunning!

[@robbabcock_]

Beautiful! The entire presentation is lovely. Your photography and direction is really superb, and I loved seeing the snows outside, linking this kind of handmade art to the time and place of its creation. I have probably mentioned it in another video but as a general geek and lover of books, there's something beautiful about the democratization of information we got with the Gutenberg press and eventually the internet. So many people had access to literature and a reason to learn to read, and the impact on human civilization has been profound. Paperbacks were a great invention that made books affordable to the masses which was also great. But our modern society seems to view everything as disposable and some things never become more than pixels on a page, digital words on a digital page that (with apologies to Conner Obersk) decompose to digital ash in a digital urn. So it's wonderful to see a bespoke book, created slowly and with love, something which will show that you were here, something which endures. Holding such a beautiful handmade work of art is a link to days past and ideas that still endure. Thanks!🙏

[@FourKeysBookArts]

Thank you Rob! Your comment highlights how society's regard for knowledge has been eroded over the centuries. We take for granted now the ease with which we can access the most esoteric and specialized information. In working on this project I cannot help but contemplate how important books such as this one would have been at the time. I'm glad my videos are able to inspire such reflective and insightful comments!

[@yo8rxp]

Amazing, a true work of art !

[@preciadocr1ss]

Beautiful job, perfection!

[@SkibidiEugensson]

Yay for Robertson bits!

[@killernailsllc]

Beautiful work

[@williamwallace9427]

What an absolute pleasure to get to see this craftsman at work. Spectacular

[@Sloth_and_Badger]

Great craftsmanship

[@shawnataylor7998]

Beautiful job! Thanks for sharing your craft.

[@Spider._.dust_music]

Thank You for this amazing video🔥🔥🔥

[@ginaturney7068]

Awesome!

[@Olivia-jy9jf]

Amazing! Such a beautiful piece of art. Thank you.

[@obaasancarumen5986]

Increíble !!!!! Que manos 😮

[@ArsLibris]

Very, very, very satisfying!!!

[@TheWeirdSide1]

I hope my jaw will retract at some point. What an amazing artform /craftmanship! I wonder how many lords and kings made doodles in works of art like this...then beheaded the artisan because their doodles were amateur.

[@sevdesahin443]

This is awesome. You are wonderful. Thank You so much❤️

[@olivierneveu3624]

Very very good job

[@alink5918]

Beautiful 💙

[@swaminathaniyer2647]

A treat to the eyes.

[@DonsArtnGames]

I was enjoying your video when I realized you are left handed like me. GO SOUTHPAWS!

[@FourKeysBookArts]

Should be a baseball team!

[@DonsArtnGames]

@@FourKeysBookArts Maybe... There's also the Portsiders, Lefties... Hmmm, maybe we could get Ned Flanders to sponsor us...

[@MeganVictoriaKearns]

Hello 👋 fellow southpaws!

[@sylvias7111]

It took me only 4 episodes to realize what seemed a tiny bit off...you are LEFT handed 🤣. Anyhows...amazing skills and video's TY.🙏🏻 .

[@chuckotto7021]

marvelous!!!

[@salomao1971]

Peço lhe desculpas por só comentar nessa quarta etapa , pois fiquei tão fascinado que só agora me dei conta de fazer . Seu trabalho é fascinante , quantas minúcias e detalhes ,e tudo feito com tanta qualidade e primoroso domínio da técnica . Muito obrigado mesmo do fundo da alma .

[@daphneus69]

Fabuleux partage !!!!! Mille Mercis

[@bigredc222]

Very nice.

[@clydebalcom3679]

So far, I am enjoying the process. This answers so many questions I had as a kid.

[@JanoChaos]

Even the brick looks amazing

[@gregzoller9003]

I see it took the entire Medieval age to maje one book 🤣. Amazing craftsmanship!

[@summerkagan6049]

This is a truly impressive level of craftsmanship.

[@DeerheartStudioArts]

I’m thoroughly enjoying these vids! It will be a very good reference! Thank you!🦌💌❤️📚

[@3rdaxis649]

This series was such a joy to watch. Fantastic.

[@hajerm]

Your bindery and bookmaking tools are beautiful

[@sirrykr1679]

This is amazing. And what a beautiful book. Regards from Iceland.

[@Jesus_follower726]

You are special, my friend. God bless you

[@terezinhaboaventura5322]

Trabalho maravilhoso,encantador. Parabéns!!!

[@Micra314]

Meraviglioso 💖

[@shazzorama]

This is so marvelous to view. Thanks so much. I had an art history instructor in uni who made books on an ancient press.

[@angelicamontecino8284]

Ha de ser toda una experiencia tocar y oler esta maravilla. Mis respetos maestro.

[@167curly]

I really enjoy this book-making and binding series. Thankyou for your skills, good videography and explanations.

[@FourKeysBookArts]

Thank you so much!

[@user-ht5bn1qr1l]

Шедевр!!!

[@chrisarnison1103]

Left-handed! So I'm not alone!! The only other sinister bookbinder I've come across was Bernard Middleton, who dies a few years ago

[@user-xq1tn8pd4o]

Прекрасная работа!

[@AutodidactEngineer]

So much work was done to preserve science and history so the next generations don't have to re-invent everything!

[@6SSURVIVAL]

Great craftsmanship my friend a pleasure watching 👌

[@FourKeysBookArts]

Thanks 👍

[@freddiestubblefield8526]

Excellent

[@FourKeysBookArts]

Thanks

[@GeoffPlays]

Every time you were pleating a corner and cutting the extra bits away with the paring knife I was thinking, "Ah, here's where I'd cut myself." I'm filing book binding away under "Things I Want To Try Some Day When I Possess More Free Time" I have a lot of books I want to commission custom leatherbounds of, but I feel like it could be fun to try doing one myself. Or perhaps make a journal for Dungeons and Dragons notes.

[@DrDeepspace]

What a treasure - thank you for demonstrating your skill...this lost art. Your manual paring skill on the cover leather is subtle and subline. Bravo!

[@FourKeysBookArts]

Thank you! Half the skill of paring is properly sharpening the knife.

[@m.c.4565]

I would want my wedding album made the same way💕Wow! I wish they get pay a lot of money making those on medieval times.

[@johnspence9603]

Thank you for this series it has been both relaxing and very informative I assume that there will be another part to finish off. I have tried this bookbinding method before and I'm happy to see that I'm not the only person that has trouble with the corners well done on the video.

[@FourKeysBookArts]

So glad you're enjoying the series. And yes, there will be one or two more installments to finish off the book.

[@ronwoodmarcenaria4936]

Perfect. Congratulation

[@puhiava]

I suspected you cut the end caps because you tied the headbands to the boards; I hadn’t seen this before and cringed to think you would over cut. Excellent work.

[@FourKeysBookArts]

Yes, that's precisely why I had to cut them. In the moment I didn't even consider the very real possibility of catastrophe, but you were right to be tense!

[@user-sf5vc7xc3w]

Восхитительно!!!

[@stevesebzda570]

Interesting.. [@30:22] I always thought the threads went in the folds of each section holding them in. Here, [and I remember from your previous episode -- where you're making the cord and thread weaving for that corner cord] you went in-between two sections -- and apparently it's the cord and weaving holding them in. Live and learn.. Interesting. Thanks lol 👍😂☕️☕️