edges (deckle edge) ☜☞ bordes


Folded gatherings/books have four edges. The folded area through which the sewing will be done is the gutter; the top edge is the head, the bottom is the tail, and the edge opposite the gutter (at the right in Western books), is the foredge. Depending on how the sheet is folded, the head, tail, or foredge can also be a fold, which will be opened at some point so the book can be read. [CB]

Binders a have tendency to cut edges on three of the four sides to present the book with a very clean cut look. Uncut pages are recognized by the uneven edge on the fore-edge and the tail- edge. This natural look is a result of the water run-off when the mold is lifted out of the vat leaving the residue of fiber in the process that feathers out in the pressing and drying process. A deckle edge is proof that the pages in the volume have been uncut or untrimmed.
  • Uncut edges
edges (deckle edge)
edges (deckle edge)
edges (deckle edge)
edges (deckle edge)