Book Boxes &
Protective Enclosures

For the protection of your valuable books, documents and objects; or as an added feature in the binding of an edition, Praxis Bookbindery can fabricate a drop spine box, solander box or a slip case. For unusual shaped items, boxes can be built specifically to accommodate them.

Sometimes there is ephemeral material accompanying a book and it is necessary to house it as well. Compartments can be built into the box that will allow the items to be present with the book but not housed in the book itself. Placing items inside a book when the it has not been designed to hold them can cause damage to the book.

Using the same high-quality, archival materials we use for books; leather or cloth for instance, a box can be made to the exact size to snugly house the item. A snug fit helps to protect the object inside the box if the box is dropped. The way boxes are constructed at Praxis keeps harmful light and dust away from the item.

For items requiring a completely archival environment we use a box lining that absorbs some of the gases produced by the breakdown of materials that comprise the book. Inside a closed environment, such as a box, there can be a buildup of these gases. Only by opening the box occasionally or lining it with such a material can those gases be properly dealt with. For a more elegant appearance there are also flocked materials, in many colors that complement the various outer coverings.

Another variation for a standard box is to create a rounded spine for the box. When covered with leather and tooled in gold, the box will look exactly like a book on the shelf. This approach allows the book to be housed in an archival environment while giving your library an elegant appearance.

Boxes can be made singly or in lots up to several hundred. While it is possible for the client to supply Praxis Bookbindery with the measurements of the item to be boxed, it is more advisable to send it and allow our staff to take the measurements to insure a correct fit.

Please call Peter Geraty
at 413 527-7275.

Phone discussions work best for your questions and answers.

Or write or visit: One Cottage Street, #18, Easthampton, MA 01027.

Or email pgeraty@praxisbindery.com