A book with a repaired spine is called rejointed. The spine of a book is the most vital part because it holds all the pages together. When in good condition, the spine keeps the pages flat, which makes the book easier to read. However, a damaged spine can cause the pages to warp and bend, making the book difficult to read.
There are many ways in which a spine can be damaged. It can get dropped, bent, or otherwise mistreated. Sometimes, spines age poorly; they become weak and brittle over time. Whatever its cause, a damaged spine renders a book useless.
Book rejointing is a process that involves repairing the spine of a book to make it usable again. The book is taken apart, the spine is fixed, and the book is back together. This process can be done by a professional bookbinder or at home with the right supplies and instructions.
A rejoined book could be better, but it can be used. The spine won’t be as strong as it once was, so special care should be taken when handling the book. Rejointing a book is a way to keep it from being thrown away and to give it another life.
There are several ways to tell if a book has been rebound (another word for rejointed). One way is by looking at the spine: if it’s uneven or if the pages aren’t aligned properly, then the book has likely been rebound. Another way is by examining the endpapers: if they’re new or don’t match the rest of the book, then the book has probably been rebound. Also, if a book feels unusually stiff, that’s another sign that it has been rebound.