The craft of bookbinding dates back many centuries to the middle ages when the early monastic orders were the guardians of all knowledge. Their scholarship and writing skills were naturally extended to assume the role of bookbinders, to protect the highly prized manuscript books which they so painstakingly produced. These would have included the Bible, ecclesiastical history and reference books. Hence, the origins of bookbinding are associated with the church. Since that time, leather has been the most desirable material for covering a book. It is durable, pliable, pleasant to handle and looks wonderful! It gives a book that timeless quality which can last for generations. Here at Cotswold Bookbinders, we offer a highly skilled and professional service to a wide variety of customers from the private collector, to the Secondhand & Antiquarian book trade and to Libraries. A wide range of binding tasks are undertaken from simple repairs to sensitive restoration. From replacement of endpapers to fine binding in quality morocco leathers tooled with real gold leaf. For example : Rebacking books in leather of cloth Recasing in cloth/buckram Binding in calf or morocco Paper conservation, repair and cleaning Removal of selotape and other adhesives Refurbishment, feeding and dressing of leather bindings Creating slipcases and drop back boxes for valued books In addition to binding books we are pleased to undertake one off commissions such as creating special visitors books for Hotels, Cathedrals etc. We are happy to carry out simple repairs to everyday books as well as the sensitive restoration of valuable and rare antiquarian works. John Jameson, Cotswold Bookbinders, Oak Tree House, Ewen, Cirencester, Glos, GL7 6BT, UK.  Tel : 01285 770458 Email : John Jameson © Cotswold Bookbinders