It has been said that the craft of bookbinding is concerned in the main with the covering and protection of records. This is certainly true within the Public Records Office with its vast array of archival materials in bound form. The purpose of this pamphlet is to give insight into various styles of binding and types of material, with particular emphasis on those which readers at the Public Record Office are likely to encounter in their research activities. Additionally, some guidance is given concerning the storage and handling of books as an important aid to their continuing preservation.