This Woman Deconstructs 100-Year-Old Books To Restore Them | Obsessed | WIRED

Author, educator and book restorer Sophia Bogle has nerves of steel: one slip of the hand and a century-old first edition book could be ruined. Come inside her workshop as she breaks down the amazing deconstruction, revitalization, and reassembly that goes into her history preserving speciality.
See more from Sophia Bogle:
saveyourbooks.com/
/ @saveyourbooks
Director: Charlie Jordan
Director of Photography: Paul Ramsey
Editor: Richard Trammell
Expert: Sophia Bogle
Creative Producer: Wendi Jonassen
Line Producer: Joseph Buscemi
Associate Producer: Brandon White
Production Manager: D. Eric Martinez
Production Coordinator: Fernando Davila
Camera Operator: John Gurney
Assistant Camera: Drew Cannulett
Sound Mixer: Chad Saddler
Post Production Supervisor: Alexa Deutsch
Post Production Coordinator: Ian Bryant
Supervising Editor: Doug Larsen
Assistant Editor: Andy Morell
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[@TheEternalGoth]

This woman needs a YT channel! I would watch her restore books all day.

[@Lacey_Ann]

She does! I've been subscribed to her for a long time

[@Lacey_Ann]

It's called Save Your Books

[@h31602685]

@@Lacey_Ann oh thanks so much!

[@TheEternalGoth]

@@Lacey_Ann thank you!

[@riceexperiment]

I just watched this whole video! So I'm having to agree with this suggestion!

[@ashurean]

I'm glad she has an apprentice, this is a craft that shouldn't be lost

[@evajawidzk2068]

I agree just read a fiction book about bookbinding.

[@AuqiaGamer]

what's the book called? I'm curious now @@evajawidzk2068

[@nobodygnomes]

What’s it called?

[@andrew_owens7680]

@@nobodygnomes Nobody knows what it was called because it went out of print and nobody could restore the last copy. - a cautionary tale

[@RGOR-ne6vq]

I restored a book under Sophia's direction some years ago. I absolutely loved her workshop and it was a delight to take her class.

[@SaveYourBooks]

Cheers!

[@ajdean2974]

I have a book in desperate need of restoration.. I'll look into her class!!

[@bluestarofdavid2]

I have a question, at the end of the video the book she was restoring, she was tucking the piece of the pages side to the under lining of the book cover and then put a piece of tan/brown colored paper in the book that kinda looked like parchment paper or tissue paper for gifts. But not the kind u cook with. What is that kind of paper called? The one she put in between the pages and the cover before she put it in the book press.

[@SaveYourBooks]

@@bluestarofdavid2 I was using unbleached baking parchment. You could use waxed paper too.

[@theo3053]

This woman is a true artist. Highly skilled, with an artists eye to restoration. Hats off to her !!!

[@SaveYourBooks]

Thank you!

[@hansimgluck9207]

@@SaveYourBooks I see a problem in conservators feeling challenged as an artist. But more I could cry seeing you pasting down paper endleafes with pva. I can hear conservators in the future curseing that material. Why not useing wheat starch paste? Works fine and will be removable in the future.

[@SaveYourBooks]

@@hansimgluck9207 You are not wrong! Paste should be used for everything possible. Reversible is more archival for sure. Filming schedule was a bit of pressure and I would make a different choice under normal circumstances. Thanks for pointing this out.

[@hansimgluck9207]

@@SaveYourBooks Yeah well I didn't think about those kind of necessities.

[@janna9735]

My Dad used to repair books for the Newark NJ library. He would have loved to see someone else's techniques and love for books.

[@SaveYourBooks]

Good for your dad! The love of books unites us!

[@drummerlovesbookworm9738]

He was a hero! 🥰

[@janna9735]

@@drummerlovesbookworm9738 Thank you so much for saying that! He did save a lot of books, did demonstrations and taught the craft, passing it on to a new generation.

[@roar1149]

What a wonderful thing to dedicate his life to. You must be so proud of him.

[@janna9735]

@@roar1149 I am very proud of my Dad! It was a joy to him to bring books back to life again. His legacy lives on in his students.🙂📖

[@WasAC]

As an MD all I can says is she's waaaay more delicate than 96% of surgeons I've met.

[@cheebawobanu]

another thing in a long list of things I didn't need to know.

[@ArtamStudio]

🤣

[@_____________888]

@@cheebawobanu Wait till you need surgery, then it will hit the top of your "I was warned list"

[@Selinxxxxxxx]

@@cheebawobanuLOL

[@Ratigan2]

Don't you mean seen?

[@ppan3188]

Just followed her channel "Save Your Books"!! I hope she'll update more frequently, I could watch her restorations all day every day!!!

[@miklaughter]

I studied book binding and this woman is on another plain of existence 🤯 and she does every single part too? Amazing. Hope she has an apprentice so her craft can last as long as possible💖

[@SaveYourBooks]

I haven't had an apprentice in awhile. Most seem to expect free teaching with no effort which is just not how it works. 🤪I had a couple of good ones over the years though!

[@eleutt6910]

​@SaveYourBooks and what are the qualifications to be your apprentice?

[@metaphosV]

"plane of existence". Sorry. Compulsive spelling correction ....

[@janp.8107]

This brings back memories. Years ago, I did an apprenticeship at a manual bookbinder's. On quiet days, I could help the bookbinder's wife restore antique books. Loved every minute of it. Pity I couldn't do restoration full-time, so I decided to become a teacher instead. Another way to spend time with books. 😉

[@jpineapple9495]

why couldn't you restore full time? I suppose if it was before the internet, you'd have no way of getting the rich people clientele who want to show off.

[@janp.8107]

@jpineapple9495 Thanks for making a good point. Those were different times. There was no internet yet, let alone KZbin, to engage in self-study back then. Fortunately, I got to do other fun projects in my life. So I'm not complaining, just reminiscing. There're always ways to make your life more interesting.

[@jpineapple9495]

Yes, I think if you were 18 right now and doing book storing, you could have started your own business and advertised on social.@@janp.8107

[@SandraWambold]

@@janp.8107 You could take it up part-time and/or as a hobby, especially in retirement.

[@richardcary978]

The fact that she loves her occupation is reflected in the outcome of each book that she restores.

[@jopo7996]

Having a book restoration expert on is a novel idea.

[@calebmcenroe3737]

Good one 😂

[@SaveYourBooks]

😂

[@watermelonwishes4193]

Pun intended? lol

[@CL-kn1rq]

Well done!😊😊😄

[@gus473]

Oooff! 😂

[@ianweis3108]

So interesting. My mother entrusted me with some very old books that were crumbling apart. I dont think theyre anything particularly noteworthy or valuable to anyone else, but Id love to see them restored. Before this video, I hadn't even considered they could somehow be brought back into readable condition. Thanks for sharing.

[@keboonplumeria5266]

She is so patience about her art. It good to know someone out there especially her clients are still apreciating the real book. I collect old dictionary myself - some of the words had becoming obsolete and archaic. It is the best feeling ever to keep reading it

[@V1489Cygni]

It's always a joy to watch bright, cheerful and skilled people talk about their passions and the odd little tools they have (or even develop) to solve their very specific challenges.

[@sexci]

I study Bachelor of Library and Information Science and I am a 2nd year student here in the Philippines. Preserving and restoring a book is part of our curriculum and seeing videos like this makes me more inspired in this programme.

[@dddaaa6965]

Why

[@gungatz6696]

​@@dddaaa6965 Why even asked? Obviously to preserve delicate and old books or documents in order for the next generation to know it exists. It's literally preserving and saving history, da fk are you even asking Why? 😂

[@dddaaa6965]

@@gungatz6696 to know why, are you dumb?

[@rafflesmaos]

My maternal grandparents were bookbinders, and they both passed away when I was very little. This is really interesting insight into some of what they might have been doing, thanks!

[@sunglee2048]

Wonderful story. I'm glad Sophia's story was told.

[@rkm237]

As a followup to this, you should tour the Boston Athenaeum restoration and special libraries. It's a wonder and they have an event once a year or so where members can go in and make their own books. :)

[@gus473]

Yes, it's great!

[@phredbookley183]

I love books and I love libraries. It's silly to me that I've never heard of this before today. Thank you for all that you do!

[@SaveYourBooks]

You are welcome!

[@ernestogastelum9123]

I dont go to libraries and don't even like reading and I knew about this

[@stizelswik3694]

I have a 100 year old copy of Josephus's works that I found in a thrift shop but it needs restoration badly, indeed! To know that there are folk out there that actually care about Books is so good! Thank you for sharing this with us!

[@Wingedcanvas]

WOW! Thank you so much Sophia for the artistry you've shown us here. This is gorgeous!

[@SaveYourBooks]

You are welcome! ✨

[@oonaghmarguerite6752]

I loved watching this process. My father was a printer. I always wanted to learn how to bind and restore books. You are fortunate.

[@rebeccaelliott4261]

I did this job in college too although with a lot less complex repairs. It was the best job I’ve ever had!

[@lowans971]

Having a book restoration expert that is not a serial killer : thumbs up

[@simongee8928]

The point that she adapts tools to suit her own particular needs is the sign of a proper craftsperson.

[@BelindaShort]

Wonderful. The techniques are similar to some I've seen in art preservation.

[@artisticanna5275]

This was so satisfying to watch ❤ I wish this was longer

[@user-sy3ti6nt2e]

Wow! This was very informative. It’s so nice to see old books come back to life for new generations to read and enjoy.❤

[@gailmerriken1275]

Thank you for this interview. I wish I had known about this when I was young enough to have learned to restore books as well.

[@shubus]

I could watch this all day long! Book lovers rejoice that Sophia Bogle is out there restoring books to incredible condition.

[@kate-ip3ok]

i love how she has working antique equipment that she really uses for this. that's so cool!!!

[@sadepennbrook]

Do you know how many times I’ve tried looking up Book Restoration ASMR on KZbin and came up short? I bind my own hard covers for journals and this stuff is so relaxing it knocks me out while I’m working. I can’t ever finish a cover in day. This lady needs to start her own KZbin channel.

[@SaveYourBooks]

Hi there! I do have a KZbin channel. It is called Save Your Books. I am doing live restorations on most Thursday mornings at least for awhile. ~Sophia

[@lorikendrick5076]

The first time I restored a book, I knew I wanted to do that. I'm still new to this, but I love it. I understand how Sofia feels. Wish she had a YT so I could learn even more.

[@conscience-commenter]

Thank you for your many years of service Sophia , preservation of books is greatly important in the digital age . I could imagine your service restoring scrolls and ancient books for the library of Alexandria if it had survived .

[@WanderingInWonderland93]

I first learned of the craft when i read Inkheart as a child and always found it sooo fascinating!

[@alienated1057]

This level of craftsmanship is inspiring

[@a.b.creator]

I have one for her then, I have an 1800 copy of Les Miserables both in French and English. It started falling apart a couple years ago, it needs to have the front cover put back on.

[@Yesica1993]

This was amazing! It makes me so happy that people are still learning these crafts!

[@pippa3150]

This lovely lady is not only preserving and carrying forth our history, but she has made herself a part if it. Amazing!

[@irwinbruce5581]

something that would sound very boring for some people at first but when you met and see such a very nice and passionate woman that loves what she is doing, it is just a wonderful experience to watch

[@jadenkhor3523]

Wonder if she can help restore my life the way she fixes these books so beautifully

[@paddyroodzant4760]

I just love watching your gift and love of these precious books!

[@thecatdaddy1974]

She has a great passion for restoring books.

[@user-du2of3lh1g]

Amazing craftsmanship!!!! You have to admire a person so dedicated to their craft.......

[@helenamcginty4920]

I am reminded of the Disc World librarian in the late Terry Pratchett novels. Not, obviously i looks but in love of books.

[@KYLE_FROM_THE_FUTURE]

Paper books are a vital piece of keeping history alive. 🤝 Thank you Sophia

[@SaveYourBooks]

You are welcome! 😊

[@Mysterialic]

Wow, please more of her!

[@SaveYourBooks]

You're too kind! ❤

[@PaulaZF]

I wish someone had introduced this to me when I was in college. I’ve tried to fix a couple of books. I love doing it. I’m going to look up her account Save Your Books!

[@FazartOrganization]

Omg this was amazing, I absolutely adore this woman!! Great find.

[@kristinaviolette5081]

What a fascinating video. Thank you for sharing your story ☺️💜

[@jopo7996]

Every customer she has always pays, because it's a binding contract. I know where the door is.

[@stardresser1]

Ok, yes, here's your thumbs up. I DID chortle aloud.😁

[@Mind2Travel]

I would listen to her all day long ! The way she explains her passion is wonderful.

[@carmenpdl8918]

Che lavoro meraviglioso! 💖Mi piacerebbe tanto imparare!

[@PorkChopSammie]

Wow the first words out of her mouth is a well known concept in tradecraft. The client doesn’t need to see the messy part😂. I like her.

[@Lacroix999]

I get that some of these would wither away to nothing eventually if not restored, but at the same time, if you restore too much of it, it’s eventually not going to be an original. The one with the suede binding kinda of put me off because it was changed. Idk if that was part of the original book when it was first bound, but I feel like that should have been kept in place or replaced as it was if so. I actually had one of the first Frank Baum Wonderful Wizard of Oz books. It was given to me by my teacher when I was in 3rd grade and I remember that it was such a huge book for me to read at that age, but I felt like it was super special. I remember I clung onto it the whole year and tried to return it to my teacher before school let out for the summer, but she insisted I keep it! I brought it with me that summer to my great grandmother’s, great aunt’s and grandfather’s family camp and would read it sitting on the dock at ‘The Tomahawk Lodge’. I spent so many hours in that book amazed at the art and the story inside that year. I don’t even know how many times I read that book, but it was my favorite! I kept it until I had my first son but it ended up getting lost in my move a few years later. That was nearly 20yrs ago. Even when I first received that book, it was already in a fallen apart state. I’m sure that the many hours I spent in it after I got it, only added to it, but I can still feel it in my hands; the worn cover, the weathered corners, the super soft pages because it was so well loved. I still wish I was able to of hang onto it because I’m sure finding another one like it would be very slim to nothing by now. I honestly don’t think my teacher would have given to me if she knew how priceless it would end up being over the years, but to me, it was far more priceless than she would have ever known!

[@SerenityNow....]

I own the entire set of the first edition Oz books. All the ones that L. Frank Baum wrote, and all the ones his daughter wrote. My dad was given them as a child by his parents (my dad was born in the 1930s and the books had belonged to his mother), and he used to read them to my sister and myself every night before we went to bed. They are a wonderful set!

[@kristiswa]

WOW! You are blessed.

[@frankc6951]

No oz books were written by any of his children. You are probably referring to Ruth Plumly Thompson's who continued to write oz books after Baum died. She was not related to him at all.

[@SerenityNow....]

@@frankc6951 Interesting. I am referring to Ruth Plumly Thompson. I Do have all of hers as well (The Purple Prince of Oz, etc.), and always thought she was Baum's daughter. That had been the story passed down with the books. Regardless, I'm lucky to have such wonderful books!

[@oldschoolpunkerjoe]

These are amazing to watch, I watched a documentary on the restoration of the Jefferson Bible on TV. It's takes a steady hand.

[@AmosAmerica]

This is amazing! Great post!

[@Eve.n.t_horizon]

her energy is so contagious!!!

[@industrialize]

Amazing skill! With the care and attention that went into the restoration this book could get treasured and passed down for generations. It's wild to think how long it could be before Sophia's personal note is read!

[@feller6766]

We need a series

[@dreamingofbonsai]

This is so incredibly interesting! Thanks for sharing this!

[@danrichman1]

So cool! Thanks to her and to Wired.

[@AreHan1991]

Wonderful! Wonderful person, always wonderful to see someone who is good at a craft

[@helenemarin3475]

Cuánto me gustaría estar ahí con ella para aprender a hacer éso! Qué maravilla !

[@sharlenezuhlke1561]

Amazing! I wish I had learned this 40 years ago.

[@debcarroll8192]

This was fascinating to watch! I am reading through the bookbinder mystery series by Kate Carlisle right now, so I am glad I happened upon this wonderful video!

[@SaveYourBooks]

Kate Carlisle mysteries are so good! She gets 99.9% of the restoration information correct too! ⭐

[@ambiambear]

I just received 5 1890's Shakespeare books, and I just may get them restored thanks to this video!

[@noth9617]

I have my grandmother's 90 year old bible and the spine is a very soft paper which is all torn and the front and back covers are actually wood. I was starting to think restoration would be impossible but I won't be so sure after this.

[@EphemerAllShop]

Very nice. I just got a copy of the Lost Princess of Oz. Thankfully it is in good shape.

[@kerlyn3582]

What an amazing, important and beautiful occupation ... a wonderful video

[@henlohenlo689]

cool skills she is artist and an engineer and mechanic all lumped together. similar skills i want to gain when working on autobody or various other things. its like a healer ability for items.

[@MT-qu2tg]

Thank you for restoring these precious pieces of history. I love history.

[@PollyAlice2000]

Thank you. God bless you. Restoring a book brings its story back. What you do ends up preserving something that means a lot to many

[@WTHax]

I loved this!! Very satisfying to watch.

[@rudiklein]

The skills, the knowledge and the patience needed is of the scale.

[@user-kh5vw4wd8y]

This woman is absolutely adorable! She has a special gift for this artistry!! Her passion is beautiful

[@shadowtiger2363]

She is saving so much history well done to her. What a fantastic lady.

[@nyc88s]

This was one of the most enjoyable ten minutes of content ever!

[@tinderbox218]

I'm annoyed with the KZbin algorithm for not having recommended her channel to me yet. I also have books I want to send to her! Doubt I can afford her though, lol

[@SaveYourBooks]

They are supposed to be adding a link soon. 🤞

[@MichelleFillipini]

This is so important, thank you for this!

[@AngloSaxon1]

I once watched a museum clean the pages of antique books with a sandblaster that used a very soft medium and it worked beautifully, no damage to the book whatsoever

[@eazypeazy33]

Awesome! I was very intrigued

[@gorillajoe999]

Very impressive! She has so many cool tools and gadgets.

[@CptVein]

10-12 hours actually seems hella fast!

[@thaisgregorio2734]

This is amazing!

[@Tom-em1oz]

Absolutely fascinating!!!

[@OfficialAwkbe]

Bookbinding fascinates me, but knowing there is a step further at restoring books... Just wow!

[@roberthill9011]

What a wonderful thing. thank you for sharing 😊

[@tigerlily62]

That was so amazing to see! I would love that job..🥰🥰😍😍

[@Lacey_Ann]

I love her, I've been subscribed to her forever❤

[@blujeans9462]

A woman after my own heart. I started collecting turn of the century books about 30+ years ago. They are a fascinating look at the past!

[@anitas_tinkershop]

Loved the video ❤

[@tonyarichards5430]

Fabulous episode.

[@gardeniamaria5170]

😢this is one thing marvellous!! God bless You Sofia!!

[@tranger4579]

Such steady hands.

[@programmerdave9893]

I barely have the patience to sit down and read anymore, and this woman is restoring books one page at a time. I am truly impressed.

[@LA-tz8zr]

I used to do this in college! I wrote little positive notes in the spines too~!

[@SaveYourBooks]

A kindred spirit!

[@heaven-is-real]

She is a professional bookbinder. Very skilled craftswoman.

[@kellieg4767]

OMG, can this lady start her own channel already? I'd listen to her all day talk about books and restoring books!