Here is a concise, eminently readable handbook on how to care for any book of value. For collectors, librarians, and curators it represents an elegant summation of their responsibilities and techniques. Included in The Care of Fine Books is a brief history of book-construction methods and a discussion of the nature of fine books and their component materials, thorough advice on the storage and handling of books, securing a collection against fire, flood, theft, or other mishap, and elementary cleaning and repair. An Appendix lists sources of materials and supplies. The text is graced with over 200 line illustrations by the author. (7 X 9 1/4, 160 pages, illustrations, diagrams)