A Degree of Mastery: A Journey Through Book Arts Apprenticeship

by Annie Tremmel Wilcox

Paper Book, 1999

Series

Minnesota Voices Project

Genres

Collection

Bookbinding

Publication

New Rivers Press (1999), Edition: 1, 222 pages

Description

In this extraordinary memoir, certain to captivate anyone who's ever appreciated the feel of a good book, Annie Tremmel Wilcox deftly explores the artistry, traditions, and precise techniques of book making and restoration. Using excerpts from her diaries, newspaper articles, exhibit notices, and correspondence, Wilcox passionately recounts her experiences learning the art of making and preserving books as the first female apprentice to the renowned book binder and conservator William Anthony. At once rendering a gorgeous, moving scrapbook of her tutelage under this consummate craftsman, and expertly demystifing the fascinating technical processes of this centuries-old art form, A Degree of Mastery is a singular achievement certain to enchant book lovers and crafts-people alike.… (more)

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User reviews

LibraryThing member JBD1
A neat little memoir of book culture from the conservatorial standpoint. Quite well written, and enjoyable. My only quibble with the paperback edition is that it's printed on horribly crappy paper and has yellowed already ... quite ironic considering the subject matter! Highly recommended
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LibraryThing member clifflandis
Although I'm willing to bet that folks unfamiliar with book arts might be confused or bored by this text, for those of us with a love for the craft, it is a masterful tale of one woman's experience in her apprenticeship--something that would-be conservators and bookbinders would do well to read.
LibraryThing member Bethene
Well written, descriptive naratives of actual book restorals, the tools, apprenticeship and requirements of conservancy department at Univ of Iowa.
LibraryThing member wordsandmusic
For those of us who are not familiar with bookbinding terms, this book cries out for a glossary and a simple diagram showing the bookbinder's names for the parts of a book.
LibraryThing member alandebarra
Admittedly, I'm familiar with the world of bookbinding and the associated terminology. As a result, I may be biased. I loved the book, the writing has a lyrical, almost Japanese quality at times. Most of all, it's a story of friendships - wonderful.
LibraryThing member merrystar
This is one of my favorite memoirs. I have no background in book arts, but had no difficulty with the terminology and thought she explained the work she was learning very clearly.

ISBN

0898231884 / 9780898231885

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