blankbook binding
A style of binding for books meant to be written
in and which, therefore, must lie flat at any
place the book is open. Blankbook binding is one
of the principal subdivisions ofSTATIONERY BINDING
and differs greatly from the other major nit of
binding, LETTERPRESS
BINDING . One of the major differences is that
blankbooks, or account books, as they are also
called, are rounded but not backed, having instead
a SPRING-BACK ,
which, in conjunction with the LEVERS , causes the
spine of the book to "spring" up when the book is
opened, thus giving full access to the gutter of
the opposing pages. The best blankbook binding is
very durable, with sewing on wide bands of
webbing, rather than tapes, the ends of which are
secured between split boards. The books also have
heavy linings and strongly reinforced endpapers,
called "joints" in a blankbook. In addition, it is
not unusual for the folios to be sewn first to
heavy cloth guards before being sewn to the
webbings. Additional strength is sometimes
imparted by hubs on the spine (which also protect
the lettering) and bands either over or blankbook
frame under the covering material. Although
formerly always covered in leather, many
blankbooks are now covered in heavy duck or
canvas. Called "account-book binding" in Great
Britain. (58 , 320 , 339 , 343 )
![[CoOL]](/icons/sm_cool.gif){kind=icon}