rebacked ( rebacking )
The renewal or replacement of the material
covering the spine of a book. The term is used
primarily with reference to books covered in
leather, as this type of repair is seldom feasible
in the case of paper-covered books, or a
publisher's cloth (edition) binding, unless the
book is rare or has a binding of unusual
attractiveness, e.g., a Victorian illustrated
cover. Used in a strict sense, however, it refers
to the renewal of the original spine covering. The
term may also be applied to the reattachment of
the original spine material, usually after repair
or restoration. Unless a substantial portion of
the original spine can be restored and reattached,
it is usually replaced in its entirety. In either
case, it is customary to lay a new strip of
leather over the spine of the text block, over
which the original spine is glued. The leather
beneath is extended under the leather on the
sides, thus effectively creating new joints. (69 , 237 )
![[CoOL]](/icons/sm_cool.gif){kind=icon}