Making Books by Hand: A Step-By-Step Guide

The craft of book-making goes back as far as the earliest times. Though the techniques are old, the art of book making seems to be growing. This is most likely due to the beauty of handmade books but also the ease with which simple books can be made. Mary McCarthy and Philip Manna provide illustrated, step-by-step instructions to lead both the beginning and experienced crafts person through twelve simple and beautiful book-making projects. With Making Books by Hand anyone can create elegant, decorative blank books, photo albums, gifts and journals that will last forever.

The craft of book-making goes back as far as the earliest times. Though the techniques are old, the art of book making seems to be growing. This is most likely due to the beauty of handmade books but also the ease with which simple books can be made. Mary McCarthy and Philip Manna provide illustrated, step-by-step instructions to lead both the beginning and experienced crafts person through twelve simple and beautiful book-making projects. With Making Books by Hand anyone can create elegant, decorative blank books, photo albums, gifts and journals that will last forever.

Mary McCarthy is a self-employed book artist. Her books appear in a number of museums, college libraries, and private collections. Besides making books for her own artistic expression, whe also designs portfolios, books, and boxes for various clients. Before starting her busienss, Mary worked as a photography and visual studies teacher at Phillips Academy, Andover. She maintains her connection to education today by offering workshops and courses to anyone interested in making books by hand. She lives in Boston with her husband Philip Manna, and two children.