Definitions

These are by no means official definitions and are meant as a general guide to help communication regarding various book repair needs.

• TEXTBLOCK: The inside portion of the book, which is made of pages, sewn, glued, or otherwise attached together.

• CASE: The cover of the book, keeping the text block safer from wear and tear.

• SPINE: The back of the case, where the title can be seen when the book is shelved.

• BOARD: The front and backboard help to make up the cover of the book. These boards are usually covered with cloth, leather, or other material.

• JOINT: This groove acts as a hinge and is created between the board and spine of the bound book.

• HEAD: The top of the book.

• TAIL: The bottom of the book.

• FOREDGE: The front of the book, opposite the spine.

• ENDSHEETS: This (usually) single sheet of paper is attached to the inside of the cover and goes across the text block, both in the front and back of a bound book.

• PASTEDOWN: A portion of the endsheet, which is attached (or pasted) to the inside of the front and back cover.

• FLYLEAF: A portion of the endsheet, which is loose (or flying) in front of the text block in both the front and back of the book.

• HEADBAND: The decorative piece of cloth or sewing is located at the head and tail of the book and serves to help protect the text block.