I am often asked why I bind my books by hand. I answer that the form is a crucial part of the function, that it is a wonderful experience to hold a well-made book in your hands, as you turn them to know that they were folded by the same artist who crafted the story told. Here is a wonderful quote by Victorian William Morris, illustrating the sentiment beautifully:
"If I were asked to say what is at once the most important production of Art and the thing most to be longed for; I should answer; A beautiful house; and if I were further asked to name the production next in importance and the thing next to be longed for; I should answer; A beautiful book. To enjoy good houses and good books in self-respect and decent comfort, seems to me to be the pleasurable end towards which all societies of human beings ought now to struggle."
~William Morris
Source: http://www.theearthlyparadise.com/2007/12/beautiful-house-and-books-most.html
"If I were asked to say what is at once the most important production of Art and the thing most to be longed for; I should answer; A beautiful house; and if I were further asked to name the production next in importance and the thing next to be longed for; I should answer; A beautiful book. To enjoy good houses and good books in self-respect and decent comfort, seems to me to be the pleasurable end towards which all societies of human beings ought now to struggle."
~William Morris
Source: http://www.theearthlyparadise.com/2007/12/beautiful-house-and-books-most.html
RSS Feed