Casebound

Casebound, or case binding, is a method of bookbinding in which the book block is attached to a rigid cover, or case, made from boards and wrapped in cloth, leather, or another material. This binding is the standard for most hardcover books and is widely used for trade editions, textbooks, and library copies.

Construction of a case-bound book begins with the book block, typically formed from folded sheets sewn into signatures or bound with adhesive. The endpapers are attached to the first and last leaves, helping to join the block to the case. The cover case is prepared separately, usually from heavy boards covered with cloth, leather, or a synthetic material and finished with a spine piece. The finished block is then “cased in” to the case, meaning the endpapers are glued to the inside covers, securing the block within the rigid exterior.

Materials and variants vary, with cases that are cloth-covered, leather-bound, or made from synthetic coverings. Finishes may include foil stamping or embossing. Dust jackets are common for presentation and protection but are separate from the case binding itself.

Durability and use: Casebinding yields a sturdy, long-lasting book that provides strong protection and a clean exterior. Repairs to a damaged case can be more involved than those for softcover books, and the binding is less flexible.

Uses and comparison: Casebound editions are standard for hardcover formats, while most paperbacks use a different, flexible binding such as perfect binding. The case-bound approach contrasts with formats that use glued, soft covers without a rigid outer case.

History: Case binding emerged in the 19th century and became the predominant method for hardcover publishing, remaining common into the modern era.