books with various types of book edging

What is Book Edging?

The traditional craft of book edging, also known as edge decoration, has been a long-established book finishing method.

The technique of book edging became popular in the 16th Century to beautify the look of books that now stood on their ends in libraries that started to index books using their spine.

Contemporary Book Edging

Imago have a vast amount of experience in contemporary applications of book edging, which can involve both machinery and hand finishing to truly bring something special to your book project.

Take a look at just some of the options of book edging applications and techniques that Imago can help you with below.

Gilt Edging

Gilt-edged books give a timeless classic look to your book and never go out of fashion. However, it doesn’t have to end there.

Foils come in many colours – a metallic pink, a hot orange, or what about a holographic pattern? Eye-catching and usual the range of foils seems ever-growing.

gilt edged books
books with printed edges

Books with Printed Edges

Printing on the edge of the book is a technique not for the faint-hearted but with the right equipment, it can be achieved.

Traditionally text or full colour images have been applied to book block edges using screen printing and the effect always delivers the wow factor!

However, recently we have been exploring using inkjet print to achieve amazing results at a much cheaper price. Using specially modified machines, the effects are stunning and it’s much easier on the pocket.

Deckled Book Edging

Deckle edges were originally an unavoidable part of the book production process, however, today with machine-made papers the effect has to be applied during the production process.

Deckled edges always add an aged feel to a book and we have seen them come back into popularity as the vintage trend increases in popularity. Also used on the Star Wars Jedi Path book to give the effect of an aged manual of the force passed down through history!

booked with deckled edges

Start your project

Imago would be delighted to work with you on your next print project. Get in touch with the team to discuss your ideas, no matter how out of the box they might seem!