Rating: 
Summary: Artistic Inspiration
Review: Nothing against the previous reviewer, but thankfully this book is NOT designed for the average crafter. There are more than enough books for beginners in my opinion and so I was thrilled to see the talent of the artists in this book. It has a large gallery section and is wonderful inspiration for those of us who can pretty much look at a project and figure out how to do it. I agree that if you are a complete beginner to making art books and journals, it would be helpful to get a book like Cover to Cover to explain the basics.
Rating:
Summary: Inspiration but no step-by-step instructions
Review: This book is great for inspiration for the experienced papercrafter. That does not mean you have to be an expert. The projects featured are unique and definately got my creative juices flowing. This book is not for beginners looking for a how-to manual for hand bookmaking; there is an assumed understanding of some basic skills that are not explained in detail here.
Rating:
Summary: Inspiration but no step-by-step instructions
Review: This book is great for inspiration for the experienced papercrafter. That does not mean you have to be an expert. The projects featured are unique and definately got my creative juices flowing. This book is not for beginners looking for a how-to manual for hand bookmaking; there is an assumed understanding of some basic skills that are not explained in detail here.
Rating:
Summary: Great Reference Book. Ultra Creative and Inspiring
Review: This book is one for both reference and INSPIRATION. The title alone would not make you pick up the book but, ignore that, and buy it if you are a paper arts enthusiast. All books are creations of an artist and are eye candy. If you like Somerset Studio Magazine, Shereen LaPlantz's books and Michael Jacob's creations... you'll love this!
Rating:
Summary: Making Memory Books by Hand : 22 Projects to Make, Keep,
Review: This book was very highly recommended by many very experienced and respected multi media/rubber stamp artists and I'm glad that I've finally own it after a lot of deliberation whether to purchase it or not. I have found it more to be a source of inspiration and constant ideas. The photos are detailed and clear. There are step-by-step projects throughout the book however, it assumes you are not a complete newbie at bookbinding. When I read this book - I was new to bookbinding though an experienced craftsperson and if you are fairly quick to learn or work things out - you would be able to follow. I was able to create my first "Coptic Binding" book by modifying the project in the book and I was very impressed. I can see this book as a tool of reference for many years to come, as it features over 90 memory book - however, not just standard books - ones of different shapes: houses, hand/palm prints, the various custom made "boxes" enclosing/presenting these memory books. And the they're not just made from cardstock/paper they also include creations from clay, cloth, natural elements (twigs, bark) etc ... showcasing the brilliant artistic creations from creative minds. Should you want ideas and inspiration for drop-dead fantastic artistic and stunning memory books (and I don't mean your normal cutesy scrapbooking memory books) - you have to get this book. On a scale of 1-10 to me it's a 15! .. I would definitely buy it over again.. most inspriational and worth every cent of it's A$43.00 (Australian currency) - and for me - to purchase such an expensive book - it must be REAL good.... enjoy it!
Rating:
Summary: Wonderful for the int/adv bookbinder, inspirational
Review: This is a wonderful book for an intermediate to advanced bookbinder looking to spice up their book creations and make them into masterpieces. It is worth every penny just for the inspirational examples and galleries. They are great for when you created that gorgeous book and don't know quite what to fill it with. The book starts out with the basics of materials and supplies. A very through demonstration of three different ways to make neat corners follows. Next come several unique and interesting projects all created by different artists. Its hard to choose my favorite projects, they are all so awesome. However, I really loved French travelogue made of wood with a hinged cover. The house, a book in a box, is really creative as well. Though this book is great for inspiration, I really feel it is best for someone who has bookbinding experience. Yes, the book does have step-by-step instructions accompanied by demonstrating photos. However, it does no show or describe in detail any of the sewn bindings which could hinder a beginner. For example, it says coptic stitch was used, but did not tell you how to sew the coptic stitch. Also about half the projects are simply altered forms of a base project that was described in more detail. The variations have only a brief paragraph that is just a description, mostly without any real instruction. Unfortunately, there is no list of suppliers. However, I like that contact information for all the contributing artists is listed in the back. This makes a great source of inspiration for any serious bookbinder.
Rating:
Summary: Terrific Find
Review: This is an absolutely beautiful book. I wasn't especially looking for a step-by-step guide; I was, however, looking for inspiration. And this book gives that and more. The photographs are very clear. The page layout is quite nice, not so cluttered that you can't see precisely what is being shown. The book is a little expensive. But I feel it was worth every cent. I refer to it over and over for new ideas.
Rating: 
Summary: buyer beware!
Review: While this book is attractive, and the projects beautiful and inspirational, I want to warn anyone who is looking for accurate instructions to stay away! After a brief examination, I can give several examples of incorrect or unclear directions. For instance, on page 100, step one for creating an accordion book reads "First, cut a 5 1/2" x 4" (14 cm x 10 cm) strip of paper and fold it accordion style." An accordion book made according to these instructions would look like one of those paper fans you used to make as a child, not what is pictured in the book! What the author meant was cut a strip of paper that is 5 1/2" x (4" x the number of pages you want). Urrrrgggh! Or how about on page 52 when the author tries to explain the creation of signatures: "Note that the spines for the first and last signature should be cut differently, with a full page on the outside of each to be used for a title sheet at the beginning or for a decorative page at the end." Huh? Cut differently how? Is she really talking about endsheets? And what does that have to do with the spines? Anyway, inspirational: yes; accurate: no way!!!
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