Der Gebrochene Rücken: A variation of the German case binding

Peter D. Verheyen, Syracuse University

Abstract

The “gebrochene rücken” is variant of the German case “Bradel” binding, something often described as the quintessential German binding structure. It is precise and adaptive to a variety of needs and aesthetic considerations can be worked “in boards” or as a case. Its closest modern relative is the simplified binding (reliure simplifée) as demonstrated by Sün Evrard and Laura Wait. While there are structural differences (that are not as great as one would think given that one is German and the other French), what both these bindings have in common is that they allow for the use of different covering materials on the spine and boards. While both can be used on thicker books, they are at their best when used on smaller books. This article describes how to complete a binding using this technique