Einbänden

Einbänden is the plural form of Einband and refers to bound volumes in the context of books. In publishing and library catalogs the term is used to describe editions that are issued as bound units, as opposed to unbound sheets, pamphlets, or loose issues. It is often contrasted with formats such as broschierte Ausgaben (paperbacks). When a work is published as a multi-volume set, each volume is typically bound, and the collection may be described as mehrbändig, with the binding understood as part of the complete edition.

The Einband encompasses the physical binding of the book, including the cover material, spine, and boards. Common binding styles in German editions include Leinenbindung (cloth binding), Lederbindung (leather binding), and Pappbindung (cardboard cover). In modern terminology, gebundene Ausgaben are those with a formal binding, as opposed to broschierte Ausgaben, which have a soft or flexible cover. The presence or absence of features such as a Schutzumschlag (dust jacket) can also be noted as part of the binding’s presentation and condition.

Condition and quality of the Einband are important for collectors and libraries, influencing value and handling. Typical aspects assessed are the integrity of the spine, the state of corners and joints, and whether the original binding is intact or shows signs of restoration. In bibliographic descriptions, the Einband thus signals the book’s physical format and its preservation state as much as its contents.