The many excellent books on hand bookbinding that have been published are a help and inspiration to the beginner as well as the experienced craftsman. However, we feel that the operations of finishing should be explained in greater detail. No books or articles on hand finishing have been issued in recent years, giving in detail the trend of design, with the best methods and materials of craftsmanship. Very few modem designs have been illustrated or explained in treatises on binding and generally period decorations only are shown. This book is planned to overcome that lack. Each country has its distinct style and methods of hand binding. These differences in tooling and general finishing procedure are incorporated in the text of this book. The best method for the individual binding in hand may be chosen for the quickest, easiest, and best result. No historical development of cover design is given as such is obtainable in most volumes on binding. This book concentrates on actual operation and procedures of hand tooling. The chapter on design has to do with modern conception and treatment. The term "finishing" is applied to all work done after the book has been forwarded. The finisher must decide what lettering and decoration are to be put on the book. This includes tooling of the patterns in blind or with metal, onlay and inlay work, polishing and varnishing. The process of finishing is the means by which designs are put upon covers to echo the spirit of the story and what the binder thinks will further express that spirit.