backing boards
The boards used in hand binding to assist inBACKING a book.
Backing boards are generally made of a very hard
wood and are frequently faced with strips of
metal. The upper edge of the board is beveled at
an angle of approximately 80°, over which the
outer sections or leaves on both sides of the text
block are bent. The board is also thicker at this
edge than at the lower, so that when it is placed
on the side of the text block near the spine and
secured in theLYING
PRESS , the force of the press is concentrated
nearest the spine. (92 , 183 , 335 )