The progress of the Art of Bookbinding has made nearly all the works written upon the subject obsolete; their descriptions no longer apply to the methods practised by the best workmen. Throughout this work, the opinions and remarks of other writers have been adopted without alteration, unless they came in contact with practical knowledge. Every thing that would not bear that test has been rejected, and in lieu thereof those modes of operation described that the young binder will have to learn and practise if he desires to emulate the skill of the best artists.

The plan of the work is taken from "Arnett's Bibliopegia;" and every thing given in that work that has any approach to utility will be found in these pages. It was at first intended merely to revise that production; but during the progress of revision so much was rejected that it was deemed better to pass under notice at the same time the labours of others. "Cundall's Ornamental Art" has furnished the early incidents in the "Sketch of the Progress of the Art of Bookbinding;" and, as the best authority upon the subject, "Woolnough's Art of Marbling" has been adapted to this country. Mr. Leighton's "Suggestions in Design" has been laid under contribution in order to enrich the subject of Ornamental Art. The "London Friendly Finishers' Circulars" have been a valuable acquisition to the writer, and it is trusted will make this work equally so to the young finisher. "Cowie's Bookbinders' Manual," "Arnett's School of Design," "Gibb's Hand-book of Ornament," and "Scott's Essay on Ornamental Art," in addition to those acknowledged in the body of the work, have supplied some valuable hints.

It is hoped that this volume will prove useful to those forming libraries, by imparting correct information upon subjects that to the book-collector are important, and that its tendencies will be to increase and strengthen a love for the art.

J. B. N.

Philadelphia, 1856.