History of the Book - Machine Press Period, 1800-1950

In the hand press period, book binding was influenced by economies of scale, the quality and availability of materials, and the artistic demands of the patron. In the 19th century, the development of publisher's cloth as a covering material, combined with the pre-fabrication of binding cases, created a new type of binding - the edition binding or publisher's binding.  As binding machinery and procedures became increasing mechanized, publishers developed new methods of embossing and decorating publisher's cloth, bringing illustration and title information directly onto the cover and spine.  

History of Binding - Early 19th Century
PBO Publisher's Bindings Online
American Decorated Publishers Bindings
19th Century Book Folders