Publishers' Bindings Online, 1815-1930: The Art of Books

Publishers' Bindings Online, 1815-1930: The Art of Books [1] is an IMLS [2] funded project with The University of Alabama Libraries as the lead institution, working with the University of Wisconsin-Madison Libraries to make available this cutting-edge digital resource relating to the study of 19th and early 20th century American book covers.

There are currently 3,505 new records in the PBO database [3]. We are constantly updating the website and adding to the project. To stay on top of all the exciting new features, visit our New@PBO [4] page!

In addition to the database, there are several exciting resources developed to aid in the study of the book bindings and the era they represent. This includes nineteen galleries [5] with essays and examples on a host of topics relating to the Publishers' Bindings era. Among those featured are galleries on Mark Twain [6],Uncle Tom's Cabin [7], New Orleans [8], The American West [9], The Industrial Revolution [10], Louisa May Alcott [11], and Confederate Imprints [12]. We have also developed some unique teaching tools  [13]such as lesson plans that provide unique insights into life and culture in 19th century America as well as essays and resources on the study of Publishers' bindings bindings designers [14], silver and gold stamping [15], book cloth grain patterns [16], and a comprehensive look at Publishers' Bindings Through the Decades [17].

The project has received a great deal of attention and has been widely quoted, cited, and referenced. Visit our Publicity & Outreach [18] page to how the project had been disseminated.

• Publishers' Bindings Online 1815-1930: The Art of Books [1]
• Institute of Museum and Library Services [2]

We welcome your comments — please contact the PBO project [19] via email.