How to Re-attach/Preserve Loose Book Spines

(When only one side is detached)

If you have a book with a loose book spine, this is a great way to fix it. This method will help preserve the original materials and are meant as archival preservation measures rather than a full repair.

This Book: This particular book is a later edition of Edgar Rice Burroughs’ A Princess of Mars.
Type of Book: Common Case-bound Book
Issues: Spine is detached on one side. A.k.a. one side of the spine is loose but the inner hinges are intact.
Treatment: Paper Hinge with Tissue Extension.
30 Minutes of Video
Step by Step Instructions
PERPETUAL CAVEAT: Never repair rare and/or scarce books. When in doubt only do preservation treatments and consult an accredited professional.

Tools and Materials: Everything you need is in the Basic Book Repair Kit, plus the Level One Tools and Materials List.

Here are the main things for this course:

Tools: Book repair knife, bone folder (or teflon folder), simple backing press or just covered bricks, Micro-spatula, Brush for glue and paste, Hair dryer, Scissors, Optional: Exacto knife and cutting mat and straight edge.

Materials: Archival paper about 70 lb., Archival Paste and Glue, Japanese tissues such as Sekishu or other Kozo around 40gsm, Waste paper, finger cleaning damp rag in a bowl, Waxed paper, Optional coloring mediums such as colored pencils or acrylics to color the tissue hinge.