French joints

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Scope note
In bookbinding, free-swinging joints produced by setting the boards a slight distance, about 1/8" to 1/4", away from the backing shoulder, creating a space into which the covering material is pressed, forming a gully or groove. It is one of the more obvious characteristics of library bindings. It allows relatively thick covering material, such as buckram, to be used while still allowing the covers to open easily. Distinct from "tight joints," in which the board lies with its back edge flush against the shoulder, making for a comparatively rigid joint with no gully.
French joints
Accepted term: 18-Nov-2024