A Time of Review

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Reviewing the full twelve-week arc of the bookbinding apprenticeship, including completion of Prototypes #2 and #3, recent historical study, and the shift toward assessing my place within the craft. Established December 1–7 as a focused review period to synthesize all documentation before determining next steps.

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Date: Sunday November 30, 2025

Ordinal: W12 | D79

Designation: Admin November 21, 2025

November 21, 2025 - Completed Prototype #2

November 28, 2025 - Completed Prototype #3

Personal Note

Up till now, I've faithfully detailed each step taken in learning a richly satisfying skill. A skill overflowing with human history, ringing with significance right down to today. Yes, even in this modern, digital age. Over the past 3 weeks I've been studying the history of bookbinding. It's interesting to me that this has paralleled the closing of a loop first formed some 12 weeks ago - the completion of 2 Prototypes totaling 3.

Far From Rome,

and far from the Renaissance, industrialization removed binders from the center of knowledge-making. Today, these artisans primarily focus on archival conservation, fine craft, and small batch production.

As I continue studying about this field my mind drifts to my own place within it and at what point I would consider myself an extension of it's lineage.

Is that possible and is that what I want?

Before I started down this path I gave a talk to a small group of people titled: The Fire of Regret. In it's conclusion I committed to learning in public; documenting and discussing whatever I was learning.

It is my hope that this all turns into something cohesive, though I’ve yet to see its shape. And if you too carry these thoughts and feelings, my process becomes a kind of reference material—data, just data—for your consideration.

I conclude: I've done just that. And now that I stand here so very close to realizing the culmination of 12 weeks of research, practical experience, and financial expenditures I ask myself: What does this mean for me and is that meaning transferable?

On both counts I can firmly reply I don't know.

There's many questions I have so I'll be reviewing the path here. December 1-7 I'll be pouring over my documentation and see what synthesizes.

I'll see you Monday December 8th.