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Bookbinding in a Modern World


Dave Allen, bookbinderA few weeks ago, I had the pleasure of spending a few hours with Dave Allen, a local bookbinder. We talk and write a lot around here about rare books, antiquarian books, collectible books, and first edition books, so it was a real treat to go and learn a bit about their creation, restoration and repair.

Dave was very friendly to me and very tolerant of my asking a million questions. He was working on a first edition of Lucy Maud Montgomery’s The Blue Castle, and a probably first edition of L. Frank Baum’s The Wizard of Oz. Watching him work, and listening to him talk about what he does for a living, I was inspired by how much he clearly cares about his job, and the books he creates, repairs and restores.

The article was featured in the Avid Reader this month. Have a look, and read the whole article!

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About Beth Carswell

I've been reading, selling, researching, loving and writing about books with AbeBooks since 2000.

2 Responses to “Bookbinding in a Modern World”

  1. avatar

    Would love to know how to contact this gentleman – I have had left in my care quite a number of books, mostly printed in the 1800′s – some need some restoration. They are eventually to be sold on my sister’s account.

  2. avatar

    Anne – email me on rdavies@abebooks.com and I’ll give you his contact details.

    Regards
    Richard

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