In publishing, a book that has undergone rebinding is known as a “rebound” book. This means that the original binding of the book has been replaced. The most frequent reason for rebounding is to prolong the lifespan of heavily used library books.
However, rebounding can also serve aesthetic purposes. A collector may opt for a rebound to restore a damaged book to its original state, enhancing its visual appeal.
There are various techniques for rebinding books. The typical approach involves removing and substituting the old binding with a new one. This process can be executed manually or by employing machinery.
Rebound books differ in style; they can either be bound similarly to their original appearance (“half-bound” books) or with an entirely distinct design (“full-bound” books).
Furthermore, “rebound” can double as a verb referring to rebinding a book.
For centuries, rebounding has played an integral role in the book industry. It enables publishers to recycle old volumes and breathe new life into them while allowing readers to enjoy vintage texts at a fraction of the cost of purchasing new copies. As such, rebounding has remained an enduring part of this industry for years.