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REATTACHING A BOOK BLOCK TO ITS CASE
This technique can be used when the case is sound. If the cloth is weakened, abraded or cracked at the hinges, the book needs to be "rebacked" and cannot be repaired
by this method.
Most of the time, it is only the front inner hinge that is broken. But since it is easier to repair both at once, you might as well separate the back cover at the hinge (It
might break off soon anyway). Use small scissors to do this. Be very careful to cut only the hinging material under the endpaper and not the case cloth.
 Remove all loose spine lining
from the case. If necessary, lightly sand away irregularities. Cut a spine lining strip of medium weight paper or bristol, the width of the original spine lining by the height of the case.
Grain must be parallel to the spine.
Glue the strip in place, sliding it under the top and bottom turn-ins. If the turn-ins are firmly stuck down, cut the strip so it fits between them. Trim excess
ragged or loose edges of endsheets from the inner edges of the covers.
Put the book block in a finishing press, or between bricks, and peel off any loose spine lining. Sand lightly to smooth out irregularities; avoid damaging the original
cloth spine lining, especially if it is in good condition and still well adhered. Trim the damaged or cut spine lining at each edge of the
spine, flush with the shoulders. If there are endbands and they are loose, glue them back down.
If the ensheets are fragile, repair and consolidate them along the shoulders of the book block with strips of Japanese tissue.
Choose a suitable spine lining such as unbleached muslin, cotton lawn, etc. Cut it 1/2" shorter than the spine of the book by its
width, + 2". Place book in finishing press or between bricks. Apply mix to the spine and place the spine lining on it, with one inch extending on each side to serve as hinges. Rub down well with the
bone folder.
Open the case and position the book block on the back board, right side up. Check alignment. Place a waste sheet and a piece of
wax paper under the hinge. Apply adhesive to the hinge, discard the waste paper and close the book tight. Work the hinge area gently with a bone folder. Flip the book over and repeat. Make
sure to pull tightly when you close the book so that the spine of the book block fits snuggly in the case. Check alignment again. If it is not quite right, you can ease the book up or down as well as
into the case, before the adhesive sets.
Check the outside of the book. Use a bone folder to work the cloth into the joint on each side of the spine. Rub gently so that you don’t rip the bookcloth.
Put the book between boards and weights, or in a nipping press if you have one. The wooden pressing boards should line up with
the joints of the book coversand should not compress the shoulder. Let dry a few hours.
When dry, open the book and support the cover. Tear a strip of Japanese tissue 1 1/4" wide. Paste it on the inner hinge area as
described earlier. It may look better if it covers the cloth hinge completely. It should cover at least 1/4" of the shoulder of the
book block. Work it gently into the joint with fingertips and a bone folder.
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