Therefore, a few words upon the destruction of old bindings.
I remember purchasing many years ago at a suburban book stall, a perfect copy of Moxon's Mechanic Exercises, now a scarce work.

The volumes were uncut, and had the original marble covers.

They looked so attractive in their old fashioned dress, that I at once determined to preserve it.

My binder soon made for them a neat wooden box in the shape of a book, with morocco back properly lettered, where I trust the originals will be preserved from dust and injury for many a long year.
Old covers, whether boards or paper, should always be retained if in any state approaching decency.

A case, which can be embellished to any extent looks every whit as well upon the shelf! and gives even greater protection than binding.