The word “bound“ has several meanings regarding books, publishing, and printing.
In its most basic sense, “bound“ simply refers to putting a cover on a stack of pages (i.e., binding them together) to create a finished book. This can be done in various ways, including sewing, gluing, or stapling.
There are also different types of binding, which can be categorized based on how the pages are attached to the cover.
“Perfect binding“ is often used for paperback books and involves gluing the pages to the cover’s spine.
“Saddle stitch binding“ is commonly used for magazines and pamphlets and involves staples holding the pages to the spine.
“Hardcover binding“ is perhaps the most durable and expensive option and involves sewing the pages to the spine and then gluing or pasting the spine to the cover. This type of binding is often used for books that will be read frequently or need to withstand a lot of wear and tear.
Finally, “case binding“ is another option for hardcover books. In this method, the pages are glued to the spine, and then the spine and cover are wrapped in cloth or leather. This type of binding is often used for high–end, luxury books. No matter the binding type, the goal is always to create a finished book that will hold together well and be easy to read.
The importance of binding cannot be understated as it is a critical support to the spine of a book, preventing the pages from falling out and keeping the book together during transit and storage. In addition, binding can enhance a book’s appearance, making it more professional and presentable. For publishers and printers, binding is a necessary step in the production process and must be done with care to ensure the quality of the final product.