Bookbinding Glossary

A

B

Bookblock

Book cloth

C

Cave Paper

D

Dog ear

Double fan

E

Endbands

See Endbands.

End paper

F

Fore edge

The front edge of a book opposite the spine.

G

Grain direction -

H

Head -

Headbands

See endbands.

Hinge

Hinge gap

I

J

K

L

M

Mull

A strong, open material used for lining the backs of books and strengthening the joints. A thin, strong linen is also quite as good.

N

O

Oxford hollow

A piece of (craft) paper glued together to form a tube, which is then attached to the spine of the book and to the spine of the cover. It is usually used for case binding as a way to add extra strength to the spine. It's not necessary for all books, but useful for larger books or books that will be used a lot (ie. dictionary, bible, etc.). See oxford hollow; explanation given by reddit user Slayde4 or Annesi Bindings' "How to Make an Oxford Hollow" for more information.