Reliques of Robert Burns
 

Yesterday I found a copy of the Reliques of Robert Burns,
Consisting Chiefly of Original Letters, Poems, and Critical
Observations on Scottish Song (ed. by R. H. Cromek) (Fourth
Edition, 1817) with unfortunately a missing spine and
detached front board, but otherwise in pretty good shape.

Obviously, it is another book to be repaired. Reattaching
the front board is easy enough, but I don't want to
undertake it without a plan for the spine. I am quite sure
I cannot replicate the original spine. Indeed, I doubt if a
professional bookbinder could, since, among other reasons,
the now faded reddish-purple boards have a blind-stamped
pattern. I am still at a loss as to the most acceptable
method of spine repair in these circumstances. I am leaning
toward a spine that contrasts with the boards so that there
is no doubt about any attempt at a bungled restoration of
the original.

What say you all?

--
Francis A. Miniter

In dem Lande der Pygmäen
gibt es keine Uniformen,
weder Abzeichen, noch irgend welche Normen,
Und Soldaten sind dort nicht zu sehen.

Siegfried von Vegesack, "Es gibt keine Uniformen"
from In dem Lande der Pygmäen