Edition Binding: Tightback Spine styles vs. Looseback Spine styles

Here’s explanation of some “edition binding” terminology not always spoken about or specified. The terms are “tightback” spine style vs. “looseback”. We have worked very diligently over the past few years to include some descriptive and technical/template information on our main website at Houchen Bindery Ltd. What I have also found out is that many people never knew of all these variations until we pointed them out.

Tightback refers to the spine being glued to the book block. See photo below:

soft strip tightback

Looseback is what we normally produce. The spine edge is not glued to the case and there is free space, allowing perhaps a bit more flexibility as the book opens. See photo below:

Soft Strip Loose Back

While there may be specific reasons to produce a book “tightbacked” instead of “loosebacked”, I can’t think of an example at this moment. We do find certain textbook publishers ask us for this method. We can produce either one. Please note, this is not to be confused with another term for a spine style called: “rounded” or “round and backed”. I will cover that in another blog post in the future. Feel free to call or email and discuss any needs you have for hardcover edition binding!

Martin Pugh | 1-800-869-0420 | mpugh@houchenbindery.com

(C) 2012 Martin Pugh All rights reserved.
Edition Binding: Tightback Spine styles vs Looseback Spine styles