Preface to the English Edition vii
Author's Preface ix

1. Introducing Japanese Books 3
Historical Development 3
Structure 6

2. Tools and Materials 12
Tools 12
Paper 17
Other Materials 21

3. Basic Binding Procedure 25
Preparing the Cover 25
Four-Hole Binding 30

4. Four-Hole Binding Variations 41
Kangxi Binding 41
Hemp-Leaf Binding 43
Tortoise-Shell Binding 45
Chinese-style Binding 47
Yamato Binding 49

5. Accordion Books 52
Basic Accordion Book 53
Album 56
Double-Leaved Album 57
Flutter Book 59

6. Ledgers 62
Ledger Bound with Flat Cord 62
Ledger with Yamato Binding 64
Ledger with Three-Hole Binding 65
Accordion-style Ledger 67
Account Book 68
Receipt Book 72

7. Other Binding Methods 75
Butterfly Book 75
Multisection Book 78
Handscroll 86

8. Book Cases 92
Wraparound Case 94
Four-Sided Case 100
Box Case 102

9. Mending Japanese Books 106
Patching Insect Holes 106
Backing Damaged Paper 107
Inserting Support Papers 108

Appendix 1: Selected Reading 109
Appendix 2: Suppliers 113
Glossary 117
Index 125