Thomas K. Ford
The Bookbinder in Eighteenth-Century Williamsburg
An Account of His Life & Times, & of His Craft
"The Bookbinder in Eighteenth-Century Williamsburg" by Thomas K. Ford is a historical account published in the late 20th century that delves into the craft of bookbinding during the 1700s in Williamsburg, Virginia. The book focuses on the techniques, materials, and artistry involved in bookbinding at a time when this craft was essential for preserving knowledge in beautifully bound volumes. It provides insights into the lives of bookbinders, the books they created, and the historical context of the period. In the book, Ford examines the practices of notable Williamsburg bookbinders, such as William Parks and William Hunter, detailing their methods, tools, and the variety of books they bound. The text highlights the significance of craftsmanship in bookbinding, where each item tells a story through its design and binding quality. Drawing on historical records, advertisements, and remnants of bindings, Ford illustrates the evolution of bookbinding, the types of bindings available to customers, and the societal role of these craftsmen within the burgeoning intellectual landscape of colonial Virginia.