How to repair a book?

[baron]

My Systematic Theology by Berkhof has lost it's cover. Can one use any type of glue to repair it or is there a glue made for books? Its a hard cover book and it bothers me that the cover came off. The rest of the book is still glued together except for the last page.

Thank you.

 

[Edward]

You might want to look at this site (doc format)
http://www.google.com/url?sa=t&sour...sg=AFQjCNFAwO_FxeNceTiLOKZDAv5o-4ZJSQ&cad=rja

Particularly pages 7 & 12. I would have suggested fabric tape, but for your problem, they seem to go with glue.

 

[baron]

Edward, thank you for the link.

 

[JM]

You can use any type of white glue that will dry clear and stay flexible.

I use this:
Brodart Quart-Size Bind-Art® Flexible Adhesive

 

[Ask Mr. Religion]

The text is available at such low prices that unless you have sentimental values with the volume you own, purchasing a replacement is probably the best alternative.

Or, just send it to these folks:

Bible Rebinding

And be the pride of your social circle with a leather-bound Berkhof!

AMR

 

[JM]

You could ask at your local library about getting it repaired. I've been repairing books for a long time and the libray I work for will repair books, depending on the damage, for a donation of a couple of bucks.

 

[LawrenceU]

Is the book a sewn binding? If not, I wouldn't bother repairing it. It amazes me that they even bind perfect (glued) bindings with hard covers. Talk about a waste and a recipe for disaster.

 

[JennyG]

You can do quite a serviceable (if not beautiful) mend with dilute woodworking glue and almost any reasonably strong fabric - such as an old shirt (anything too thick will lose flexibility) Apply the fabric with plenty of wet glue, like wallpaper, down the spine and wrapped round onto the front and back. Well dried it should hold together for reasonable use!