Making A Medieval Book By Hand - Part 5 - FINALE - Leather Tooling - Brass Hardware - Final Assembly

Hello everyone, and welcome to my bindery!
This is the fifth and final installment 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!
In this installment everything finally comes together to finish the book! With the leather complete from episode 4 I turn to finalizing the design for the tooling. I first use my brass finishing tools (many of which I made myself) and an ink pad to lay out the design for both covers. With the design complete I then heat up the tools on a hot plate and impress them into the dampened leather of the cover. And as an added feature I embellish the blind tooling with a some gold foil highlights.
To truly transform this book I add my handmade brass furniture (which is the proper name for the metal hardware on a book). I filmed the entire process of making the furniture and you can watch that video here: • Making Book Hardware -... . Attaching the furniture requires drilling holes through the leather and wood covers, which feels just all kinds of wrong! But the brass nails complete the look, and the bent-over ends are covered and hidden by the pasted-down endpapers.
This has been an amazing project and I'm thrilled with how the book turned out. Thank you to all of you who have been watching since part 1, and to anyone who has just now discovered my channel. If you enjoyed the video then please consider subscribing and turning on your notifications for any future videos. And as always let me know your thoughts in the comments down below!
Thanks for watching!
Previous Episodes:
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...
Part 4 - Paring and Applying Leather: • Making A Medieval Book...
________
List of Materials Used in This Episode
Ink Stamp Pad
Water
Gold Foil Heat-Transfer Sheets
Brass Furnishings & Brass Nails
PVA/methyl cellulose glue
List of Tools Used in This Episode
Stainless Steel rulers, various sizes
Pencil & Pen
Brass/Iron Bookbinder's Finishing Tools, various designs
Pencil Compass
Dividers
Natural Sponge
Electric Hot Plate
Soft Cloth
Scrap Card Straightedge
Awl
Pin Drill Holder & Drill Bit
Chisel
Nail Set
Leatherman Blast
Hammer
Paring Knife
Paring Stone
Paste Brush
Laying Press
Various bits of scrap card / waste paper
2 Bricks
Bone Folder
Sandpaper & Sanding Block
Blotting Paper / Release Paper
Pressing Tins
Pressing Boards
Iron Book Press
Selected list of Suppliers (Not affiliated)
Brass Nails / 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
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
'Marked' and 'Tavern Loop One' by Alexander Nakarada | www.serpentsoundstudios.com
Music promoted by www.free-stock-music.com
Attribution 4.0 International (CC BY 4.0)
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

[@kerrermanisNL]

I did not expect to spend my Sunday morning watching 2.5 hours of a book being made, but it was immensely interesting. Beautifully captured and with lots of attention to detail. It makes you realise why these kind of books were not a commodity. Thanks for sharing it with us!

[@FourKeysBookArts]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@meganrae2508]

Same… I was looking for an ASMR-type relaxing video before going to sleep, and ended up bingeing all five videos. Oops! But there’s no was to stop until you see the end!

[@PHEONIX881]

Same I came here so I can learn to make one

[@veronicapompolo2135]

@@FourKeysBookArts I am so glad of knowing people like you! You work is amazing, as previuos person said she did not expect to spend 2.5 hours watching, I may say that such a great job is not a "spend of time", no offence, though. So thankful for let us know your marvelous work.

[@user-vj7od5np3z]

I same you .. but in thursday😁

[@yfrontsguy]

Good lord! No wonder having a library was a sign of incredible wealth in those times. How different to the scrolls that were much simpler in the classical period. Literacy was more common amongst the romans than the medieval period? Imagine the book being made with vellum too before paper was reintroduced. Jewel-like objects these books!

[@donmiller2908]

That's only the half of it. Imagine this book being made before the printing press. Where every word had to be hand lettered by a master calligrapher.

[@ProfPoindexter1968]

@@donmiller2908 And then the lettering had to be "illumninated" with marginal miniature paintings and even more gilding. Each book was truly a masterpiece or art and craft, handled (literally) with kid gloves.

[@donmiller2908]

@@ProfPoindexter1968 - I can understand the kid gloves, to protect against dirt, oil and acid from the skin of your hands getting on the pages. But are you saying that the book was handled with kid gloves by the creators or the owners...or both?

[@hortondlfn1994]

I began watching the first video simply out of curiosity, thinking I would "scan" it for a few minutes, then go on to something else. Before I knew it, I was transfixed by the procedures and the execution of such. I did not know about the captions until THIS part, and I often drifted into reveries of imagining myself carrying out this amazing work. (Of course, now that I know about the captions, I'll watch the videos again but, honestly, I didn't miss them at all - the videos are THAT good!) Thank you for your patience in not only making the book, but spending the time recording - not to mention also editing - the serial. Let me add that the video serial is, as far as videos go, as much a work of art as the book! WOW!

[@FourKeysBookArts]

Thanks so much for saying so! I tried very hard to be both a filmmaker and a bookbinder during this project. I'm glad it's appreciated!

[@hdotdot]

I did not know there were captions at all until seeing your comment. I honestly feel it didn’t need them I was thoroughly engrossed in each video.

[@LouisPeppie]

I watched all the videos for making this book, I have no words for the admiration I have for you and your skills. Hello from Australia.

[@DarlingBo-bannie]

Wow!

[@kolejnytrup]

As I watched from the beginning with captions tho, the storytelling of the master was such a beautiful journey too! From explaining all the steps to the little humorous additions. I felt like sitting there as apprentice or lost child, so eager to see and hear everything. Thank you master, everything about this journey was the piece of art.

[@cxvxcbcxn]

I don't wanna judge a book by it's cover but damn that's a fine cover!

[@MolliGelf]

I didn't want it to be over! How utterly exquisite! Such beautiful craftsmanship. Watching you create this book has been good for heart and soul. Your filming and editing throughout have been every bit as perfect as the skill and love you put into this book. Thank you so much for letting us into your world - your generosity with your time, teaching and inspiration have truly added such joy to MY world and I'm very grateful to you. Thank you again. Without meaning to dive head first into hyperbole, you give me hope for humans - how extraordinary! (Now I'm going back to watch the series from the start because I didn't know about the captions until Part III. 😁)

[@FourKeysBookArts]

Saving the world one book at a time! In all seriousness though, comments like yours are the best reward. Thank you so much for watching, I'm glad it brought you joy.😊

[@deborahdanhauer8525]

Captions? There are captions?….(Sigh), I will need to rewatch it too🐝🤗❤️

[@hortondlfn1994]

@@deborahdanhauer8525 Same here!

[@deborahdanhauer8525]

@@hortondlfn1994 🤗

[@TheJeScast]

captions DID YOU SAY CAPTIONS? okay we're starting over!

[@wovenscrolls]

Absolute Masterpiece! This series was such a joy and pleasure to watch and further inspires me to keep doing better in my bookbinding too!

[@FourKeysBookArts]

Thank you, I'm glad you enjoyed it!

[@ablynia5164]

In an era where books are disappearing it is an honor to look at your works, your attention to details, your mastery but above all the love you have in making them. Thanks for all this!

[@karenlux46]

As a fellow bookbinder, it's been an absolute joy to watch you make this book. Your craftsmanship is wonderful. Your next challenge is learning to gild with real gold leaf - your work deserves it. Thank you for sharing your work so generously.

[@sushobhanroy2396]

I cannot express how astonished I have been since I watched the whole 5+1 episodes of this Bookbinding tutorial yesterday! I subscribed. Now I am trying to comment, but what more can I say! Here, on this platform, many videos are probably there on this subject but none of them did the proper justice showcasing *finer details* of the ardous craft like you did. It is soft and hard task altogether-and Dennis, you are a ONE-MAN-ARMY! A *teacher* par excellence. I was overwhelmed. I am still in awe. I also read descriptions every time. And yes, it's a relief you keep maintaining the course almost without background score, for the tooling sounds so pleasing. _All the episodes comprising a 3-hour-long film itself is very well-made I must say._ As a typical bookish Bengali person, sir, you've earned my respect. Sending love from Calcutta, WB, India.❤

[@charlesmoore3390]

So, I just spent 4 hours watching someone make a book by hand. Holy crap that was 4 hours well spent!

[@VeritasGames]

I hate filling out a check but watching this has got me wanting to write a novel by hand. Masterful.

[@robbabcock_]

It's impossible to overstate just how staggering this is! There are a few aspect that I felt like, "okay, I could probably do that if I really took the time." But the handmade brass furniture, the incredible precision of each cut, each stamp, each stroke...there's a purposefulness to every single motion that leaves me in awe. For some reason I can't explain, it was somehow delightful to see an electric hot plate used to heat the tools! I feel your work is not a repudiation of modernity but rather an attempt to integrate the bespoke workmanship of the past into the modern world, an attempt to remind a busy world how important it is to be present in each moment. Whatever the ultimate meaning or motivation your work is stunning!🙏

[@FourKeysBookArts]

That was wonderfully said, thank you! And I'm glad my buzzy old electric hob got some love too.😄

[@Turgon92]

"Spoiler,there will be mistakes" "if i slip up,there's no fixing it" "Im just trying to prepare you for what's coming" xD gave me a chuckle yet again,but the result doesnt care,the result is awesome

[@FourKeysBookArts]

Honestly I'm relieved that was the worst slip I made! Thanks so much for watching!

[@Turgon92]

@@FourKeysBookArts well,droopy flowers do exist after all..! thanks for sharing!

[@58Kym]

I don’t know that they were ‘mistakes’. Isn’t that what makes handcrafted heirlooms soooo desired and adored?

[@dantilla]

At this moment, my first own book project lies in the kitchen, in the "press" under a huge pot of water, the pages uneven and messy, without any proper tools except my trusty bone folder. Seeing this amazing piece of art and the absolutely astounding way to its finish intimidates me, for I will probably never have the money for getting all the gear it takes to make such a wonderful thing happen in my mini apartment, and all the skill that I don't have. But I also feel a bit thrilled for taking this challenge of making such a thing on my own, one day. Until then, it is messy uneven pages and a pot of water. But I am looking forward until this crooked first attempt is done. It won't be the last.

[@FourKeysBookArts]

Everyone starts somewhere, and I still use and appreciate my first lumpy, imperfect books. Tools and skills can both be acquired over time, but you clearly already have the spark to bind books, which is the best thing to have! Good luck, and happy binding!

[@ExpectMiracles55]

Monday, Feb 27, 1:00AM. I watched the first part just before my bed time. Ended up binge-watching all five parts. If anyone asked me how many steps were taken to finish such a work of art, I'd have to say one too many, but each one equally important and essential. Priceless. I'm spellbound!

[@58orchards]

Believe me, to say that this has all been wonderful doesn't even get near. Thank you for showing us your stunning work.

[@nataliapirojanskaya6352]

Наглядный пример того, почему книги в старину стоили так дорого . Невероятно трудоемкая работа. Мастерство на высшем уровне, просто великолепно .Наблюдая за процессом, будто окунаешься в то далекое время - неспешное, подробное, созерцательное. Спасибо за доставленное удовольствие.Книга роскошна !

[@gymnosophist7471]

That is absolutely exquisite! I loved watching this series. Thank you again for sharing your skill.

[@FourKeysBookArts]

Thank you so much!

[@debrakingi4443]

Same for me. I did not expect to be watching 2.5 hours of book making on a Saturday morning. Loved every bit of it

[@dr.jyotirmaydubey9400]

I am simply awestruck… It was an alien experience watching you making this book for more than two hours non-stop! Now I know why it was a rarity to find a medieval book. No words to thank you.

[@viator5o642]

You've got me hooked! I've never put much thought into how much goes into a book, not just this masterpiece, but even other more simpler books. It was an amazing thing to watch from start to finish, and I've been more than inspired to give bookbinding a try for myself! As well as a new appreciation for such a craft. Absolutely beautiful.

[@FourKeysBookArts]

In that case, welcome, and happy binding! Thanks for watching.

[@funieman04]

Truly a piece of art. I recently came across your channel and I've started to get into bookbinding. Thank your for setting the standard that I want to attain.

[@FourKeysBookArts]

Awesome! Thank you!

[@maryhillmer]

In the 1830's my GG Grandfather James Morton was in Windsor advertising as ' bookbinder to their Majesties' with a Royal Warrant. so I have loved watching your videos. Wonderful to see that the old craft has not been lost. what a great talent you have with the books, and also the video presentation. Many thanks.

[@janeteholmes]

That is the most gob-smackingly elaborate construction I’ve seen in a long time! The monks can’t have dreamt all that up in one go. There must have been a long evolution of techniques and materials. Amazing!

[@deborahdanhauer8525]

OH MY WORD! The amount of skill and artistry you displayed in at least 6 different disciplines to make this book, was astounding. They don’t make craftsmen like you anymore. That is a beautiful piece of art that I would hold up against anything I’ve seen. Bravo!!🐝🤗❤️

[@FourKeysBookArts]

Thank you so much, glad you enjoyed it!

[@robertmckay7943]

This series left me speechless a true Masterpiece, exquisite. How would one put a price on this truly priceless book

[@elizabethgroenewald2858]

I salute a master craftsman.

[@rtk3543]

That's not a book that's a work of art, utterly engrossed from start to finish, such a talented craftsman.

[@edelweiss3338]

Dear Sir, watching how you created this book from a few simple materials was a pleasure. I had no idea how much work and skill was involved in binding a book. You are a true master of your art. Thank you for generously sharing!

[@MrForgelune]

In France we call it "un chef-d'œuvre", what an amazing amount of time, knowledge, and practice! Bravo.

[@wolfmoon5720]

I can only imagine what it feels like to hold your creation in your hands after all those hours of hard work. Thank you for sharing your process with us

[@FourKeysBookArts]

It is a very satisfying feeling for sure. Thanks so much for watching.

[@PLafreniere76]

After Watching the Entire Series 3 Times, I'm still Amazed by the Quality. Great Job

[@aresaurelian]

From the yonder, for the wonder of your craftsmanship I thank thee. As the experience 'tis; this is the hearth of artistry in the most beautiful way KZbin can offer. Much gratitude, friend.😊❤🎉

[@minicoopertn]

I had other things I needed to be doing this morning but ended up watching this whole series in one sitting. Truly amazing craftsmanship and very relaxing to watch. I hope and would also encourage that you create a DVD to include with the sale of this book documenting the production process so the new owner can really appreciate the craftsmanship and quality of the finished product.

[@FourKeysBookArts]

I hope you didn't miss anything too pressing! Thanks for watching.

[@robwoodke6592]

As did I

[@cristinaruizmartin7028]

Wow!!! Such an amazing process. The book is beautiful! Thank you for sharing!

[@FourKeysBookArts]

Thank you so much!

[@robwoodke6592]

I have never in my life watched a more fascinating series of videos. Thank you for sharing your mastery.

[@davidwraight9940]

I've been looking for a hobby for a while , this is the most relaxing KZbin channel I've ever whatched .

[@FourKeysBookArts]

Wow, thank you!

[@polosandoval]

Masterpiece. Really enjoyed this series. Thank you.

[@FourKeysBookArts]

You are very welcome!

[@turtlerose7384]

Several times throughout the five videos, I caught myself holding my breath as you worked a new technique. I am speechless at not only the beauty of the craftsmanship - the careful planning, attention to detail and quality of materials - but also the masterpiece which you produced! This gives me an entirely new appreciation for books that have outlived their makers. Thank you for sharing this process and your work.

[@FourKeysBookArts]

Glad you enjoyed the series - thanks for watching!

[@RagnarEE]

I am a woodworker myself, and i find it very relaxing and therapeutic. But no doubt, bookbinding is just as therapeutic and relaxing, maybe even more🤗 And i love books, so i will definitively make me a proper journal one day, thank you so much for these first class videos👍🤗

[@nurmaybooba]

What everyone else has said and bravo for a wonderful use of my time to watch & being able to see your talent....wonderful.

[@sparaz]

Just stayed up till 320am watching the whole book from start to finish. Couldn't stop. Amazing that humans developed these kind of techniques over generations and you're still able to carry on the spirit of a craft from many centuries ago. You're very talented, skilled, and dexterous. You clearly have many years of trade craft to get where you stand as a master craftsman. Thanks for your videos and for enlightening the aspects of books I never knew were under the cover (so to speak). And thanks for showing me something I didn't even know I'd watch more closely than some of the best films.

[@bennetforever]

Indeed.

[@MeganVictoriaKearns]

WOW... This is one of the most incredible things I've ever seen. Your talent is breathtaking and the book is just beautiful! Thanks so much for sharing this with us. 💜

[@FourKeysBookArts]

My pleasure, you are most welcome!

[@thewaltest]

This series is the coolest thing I have ever watched on KZbin.

[@yamahabiker1937]

Swivel knives and dies are one thing, this is another level in leather work. Very beautiful.

[@dpradeep7]

Beautiful! It was worth the wait. Thanks once again for taking time to show us the beautiful art. The composition is amazing and, I would say, therapeutic as well 🙏🙏

[@FourKeysBookArts]

Thank you so much 😀 Knowing that the work is appreciated makes it all worth it!

[@tracywilson1356]

I watched the first video. Then I had to see the rest. This book is such a beautiful work of art. Watching these was so soothing, so relaxing, that I started almost dozing off. Totally not saying it was boring. It was just so calming and relaxing. Thank you to the gentleman who made this. It was a joy to watch.

[@FourKeysBookArts]

You are so welcome, I'm glad you enjoyed the series.

[@shulaney4639]

Medieval book makers - you rock!!!

[@carlswenson5403]

now I understand why old books smell so fantastically good

[@ingeromano5806]

Superb! A true masterpiece. Thank you for sharing. Really enjoyed the entire process and your videotography. Hopefully you make more and share as well.

[@FourKeysBookArts]

Many thanks!

[@amandareicha5065]

Just beautiful and so many skills for such talent!

[@barbaramorgan2887]

I must have used the word 'Wow' at least 100 times. I read all the comments and agree wholeheartedly with every word. I also did not expect to be transfixed into your world, but I am so glad I took the time to see it all. You Sir are a true master of this craft. Thank you for sharing. I appreciate you and your work.

[@clydebalcom3679]

I have to watch each episode twice. The first time to see what you are doing, and appreciate every single moment. The second time with the commentary so I can understand what you are doing. It's worth it.

[@raynaalam7505]

Wow! Absolutely gorgeous. Loved the series and can't wait to see what you do next!

[@FourKeysBookArts]

Thank you so much!

[@anitadavidson1266]

How wonderful! I have watched this project from beginning to end and was completely mesmerised. Your channel popped up on my home page via the KZbin algorithms and I’m very pleased it did. You are a true master of so many different skills. When I read that you were self taught, it only heightened my admiration for you Dennis. Needless to say, you now have a new subscriber and I look forward to both looking through all your other videos, as well as all future ones. Many thanks for a very relaxing few hours. Best wishes from Scotland 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿🙌🏻👏🏻😻

[@FourKeysBookArts]

Welcome aboard! The algorithm has picked up my videos and I'm a bit floored by all the comments right now, and all the great feedback. Hopefully I'll be back in the bindery and making more films soon. Thanks for watching!

[@TheKeystoneChannel]

Same here, amazing!!

[@TheKeystoneChannel]

@@FourKeysBookArts I guess it paid off to keep going. New subscriber here too! Amazing work

[@lorisewsstuff1607]

Looks like you can judge a book by it's cover. This one is a masterpiece.

[@christopherforsyth5284]

Truly a gift fit for any King !!!! Stunning !!!!

[@Deeedliit]

Wow! What a fabulous experience to see you make this wonderful book from begining to end. I'm really impressed by all the work you've done. That's what we call an artist. Bravo et merci!

[@FourKeysBookArts]

Thank you so much!

[@yezzyjames]

Seeing the finished piece gave my thrills and chills. beautiful. :}

[@daricetaylor737]

I hope that what ever words go onto the blank pages of this book are worthy of it's cover.

[@EMS999ful]

I can't begin to tell you how therapeutic it was watching this from start to finish, it was very interesting to watch, the detail, mastery was mesmerizing, thank you for posting.

[@Nanakinsz]

Bravo! Bravo! This was incredible to watch, thank you for your skill, your care, your absolute mastery.

[@FourKeysBookArts]

Thank you very much!

[@UlrichVIII]

really beautiful, amazing work!

[@FourKeysBookArts]

Thank you very much!

[@deetrvl4life875]

Wow, just ... wow! In the past 2 evenings/nights, I have watched all of your Tools and Tips videos and then I began this part 1 one last night. I didn't want to stop watching but I was almost falling out of my chair from lack of sleep! 😉 Well, I just finished this last of your Medieval Book Series. I have/had so many comments and questions in my mind as I watched but I think I was SPELLBOUND! It was all so MESMERIZING! Your care for the details and quality of your skill and dedication is absolutely extraordinary and unparalleled, in my opinion. And In my mind, you are one unique fellow, one in 8 Billion, I'd say. To say the least, I'm a fan. And now that I'm back in my 'right mind' again (haha, that's also debatable), I am just saying I'm going to be watching again and I will be asking questions! What an enjoyable time this has been for me during this Thanksgiving week. And Happy Thanksgiving to you and yours, sir, and to all of you folks here in the comments! Birds (turkey) of a feather flock together! One final thought; It came to mind that if these were the kinds of books being crafted waay back in the medieval times, how much they must have cherished the written word. I would like to think they were joyful about creating the historical masterpieces they did! Thank you!

[@CREATIO-JMSG]

No tengo palabras. Sencillamente ADMIRABLE. Enhorabuena por su buen hacer y profesionalidad. Debe estar orgulloso por haber llegado a dominar esta maestría. EXCELENTE. MAGNÍFICO. He seguido todo el proceso de principio a fin. Gracias por estos vídeos.

[@TMPreRaff]

Every aspect of this series was beautifully done; the design (of course), the workmanship, the patience, as well as the masterful filming and editing. Excellent job all around.

[@FourKeysBookArts]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@amber-leighton8110]

Absolutely beautiful work! Your attention to detail is next level. Binged all parts to this series all afternoon, intriguing and inspiring.

[@FourKeysBookArts]

Wow, thank you!

[@curtcoker6359]

Simply amazing! Utterly beautiful to the point of me tearing up. In this modern world we all forget about things that were made before the newest thing from apple or kindle or the latest car or technical gadgets. Go without electricity for a few days then the truth is all to quickly shown our need for the newest and the best is really a prison we choose to remain inside of. Amazing work I salute you sir

[@Artfull-Spin_Search]

So beautifully done. I rarely recommend anything on KZbin but I suggested this channel for our home-schooling granddaughters and mom approved. I’m glad this is not a “lost art.”

[@FourKeysBookArts]

Thanks for sharing!!

[@flyingwondercat739]

What an absolutely beautiful work of art! I enjoyed the entire series, thank you for filming the process for us :)

[@sylance1]

Wanted to thank you for making this video series. I’m in a medieval reenactment group and am about to make a book for a project/competition. I am using my own deer vellum sheets, and tanning the cover leather as well. I aim to make everything I can, from splitting the wood board to making the corner protectors and latches. Bit overwhelmed the more I learn but I’m super excited and your beautifully done videos and book have only encouraged me and lit the fire more! I wish I had as many blind tooling stamps, will have to figure those out, maybe try to make a few and see how that goes. But I just wanted to say hi and thank you.

[@FourKeysBookArts]

I'm so glad my work has inspired you to try your own; I'm sure it will be amazing!

[@jamespeters5913]

I am still shaking my head...I honestly never before have enjoyed a U-tube video or 5 in this matter...that much!! The craftsmanship, the old school knowledge, these tools and these beautiful materials. This kind of skill set is not often to be seen, or even to be preserved these days!!! I consider myself a bit of a crafty person, therefor even more exited about such beauty like this bookbinding and covering....making your own furniture for this book was the icing on the cake!! Again, I deeply enjoyed the journey from raw paper to a piece of art.... The problem on hand now is: You have started some flames...lol...that will lead me to a new hobby!?!!

[@davidkelly5459]

I have watched a lot of "DIY" videos on YT and I've been involved in a lot (over the years) in woodworking, plastic model building and fantasy figure painting but, NEVER have I witnessed a 'MASTER' of a craft that made me want to watch something that I would never actually do for myself. The equipment, effort and time it takes to do what I have watched you do is not something I could deal with. You, sir, are a TRUE master of a bygone craft and I hope there is someone in your house that you are passing this knowledge to. I now see why my old "Unearthed Arcana" manual fell apart as it was half-assed in it's mass production. You deserve all the praise for your talent and skill that anyone could give. The think about a craftsman is that it is WE that make a product that we would be proud to own in our own homes. If you aren't willing to display something there, why would you present it to someone else. I SALUTE you for your talent and diligence.

[@Avinmor]

Priceless. What an incredible book! It was such a nice series of videos. I thoroughly enjoyed every one of them. Thank you for taking us along on your journey.

[@FourKeysBookArts]

Thank you for coming along!

[@emilybandeira5251]

um dos livros mais lindos que eu já vi. Parabéns! Absolutamente incrível.

[@FourKeysBookArts]

Thank you so much!

[@JohnnyUmphress]

After seeing all five of these I am in awe. I would pay just for the privilege to hold this beautiful book. I can't imagine having a book like this in my home. There is nothing better than fine craftsmanship. I must subscribe and continue watching your work.

[@paperwormscat9760]

Sir, I could not stop watching from the beginning to the end. Your craftmanship is amazing.

[@FourKeysBookArts]

Thank you very much!

[@mencken8]

A masterpiece worthy of: “Books are the carriers of civilization. Without books, history is silent, literature dumb, science crippled, thought and speculation at a standstill.” --Barbara Tuchman

[@narayanduttpandey3728]

Thanks for the series, amazing dedication and master craft, I know it's priceless, but what if someone wants to have this?

[@FourKeysBookArts]

I'm not certain I could be convinced to part with it.

[@wyatt-rocks]

Wow! There was nothing "easy" about this "hard"back! I never thought in a million years I'd appreciate a book with no pictures and no words so much. A great work of art. It's no wonder only rich people kept a journal in medieval times.

[@thomasewing2656]

As you flip through the empty pages at the end of Part V: "What potential!" I love your little snow-bound bindery and cat! There is perfection in the world.

[@oilysuperheroes7017]

Absolutely the most beautiful book I’ve ever seen! What a treasure. You are an amazing craftsman, and I loved watching these videos…several times.

[@FourKeysBookArts]

You're too kind, thank you!

[@tonyportoni3593]

Beautifully done! I love the look of the medieval style bindery. Do you put anything on the leather afterwards to protect the foil? I'm fairly new to bookbinding and adding decorative foil details is on my list of things to learn how to do.

[@FourKeysBookArts]

No, I have not treated either the leather or the foil. I've only just begun experimenting with the foil myself.

[@gky7170]

this video has a hypnotic quality - I couldn't stop watching. I have a new appreciation for book binding and all of the ancillary crafts that go into hand making a medieval tome!

[@soheilagha469]

This series was a masterpiece! Please keep more content like this coming!

[@MrBagocsaba]

For me it was the Saturday night movie night!!! I enjoyed it! This is really something!!!

[@fredschaves]

This is the best video series of this type on KZbin. Absolutely amazing!!

[@richardbreisch8049]

You know you have been amazed when at the end of the video you pause and stare in amazement. Wow!!!

[@derwishrenegat743]

Oh wow! I watched it with admiration, because I have a book that needs restoration. Here I just saw the best way to re-stitch a book.

[@TheAncientAstronomer]

A masterpiece of a book.👍👏 And that is why books were worth a fortune back in the old days. God I'm happy to be alive in the digital age! 😁

[@FourKeysBookArts]

Too true on both counts!

[@TheAncientAstronomer]

@@FourKeysBookArts Yes indeed!

[@jedwardchapman]

It makes me happy that somewhere you have inspired a young person to look at a book differently. Thanks!

[@glossedi]

Keeping the craft of bookbinding alive!!

[@christinewilde110]

I can understand binding something precious...but, who, is brave or foolish enough to write in something that's so wonderful to start with? You are a master craftsman of the highest degree. Thankyou for sharing. X

[@ljbonner]

Great video; mesmerising. I served a 6 year Letterpress apprenticeship back in '65. Then worked for the Solicitors Law Society who had a whole floor in the building devoted to these beautiful bindings.

[@APTEM_Ponomarev]

Кажется я нашел дела что мне по душе.Смотря эту серию я испытал уравновешенность и спокойствие.Благодарю!

[@heartstriumphant3456]

You, sir, are an artist of the highest caliber. I cannot tell you how. much I enjoyed watching your artistry unfold into a most beautiful work of art. The peaceful atmosphere and your running commentary were helpful and not distracting. Thank you and I'll watch for more of these!

[@jwybecker]

That was the best series of videsos I have seen in a very long time. So many varied skills on display and very beautifully filmed. You are a true artisan.

[@dvdpierson]

Had no idea what was involved, I watched the entire series in one sitting, just mesmerizing. The only book that taught me so much on a subject with blank pages.

[@mj-lp5eb]

I wish I could like this video a million Times!

[@FourKeysBookArts]

Me too!🤣

[@jsschnc]

I second the comment about hope for humans. I don't know what I can add that hasn't already been said about your patience, skill and exquisite workmanship so I'll just say thank you for the pleasure of watching these videos and seeing that stunning book come to life.

[@RavenNewsWatch]

I began out of curiosity which developed into questions and ended with the questions being answered as I finished the complete series. Masterfully done.