The Complete Guide to Bookbinding

Decent guide, but I wanted more photos and diagrams. The chapter on gear was helpful, and I appreciated the honest cost breakdowns, but some sections felt a little text-heavy. I'm still on the fence about starting, though — I now know what a saddlestitch actually is, so that's something. For the price, it's a reasonable first read before you spend anything.

I was seriously overwhelmed by all the conflicting advice online, and this guide cut through it. The first chapter made bookbinding feel approachable — like, I could actually do this in my tiny apartment. The cost tables were the most useful part; I had no idea I could start for under 50 bucks. My only quibble is I wish the FAQ had a few more questions about fixing mistakes. Otherwise, a solid, honest read.

It's a fine book, and I'm glad I read it before buying any supplies. The author does a good job of being realistic about how much space you need, which I appreciated. That said, it's very beginner-focused — if you've already watched a few tutorials, you might skim some parts. The first chapter about what a session feels like was the highlight. Three stars because it's not exactly exciting, but it's practical and reliable.