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W.A. Dwiggins' Handcrafted Book Spines

publication · 2026-06-09

W.A. Dwiggins meticulously designed book spines, understanding that books are displayed spine-out in stores. He created each spine by hand without extra compensation, using paste-ups with original artwork. Mistakes were corrected with hand-drawn type or ornament.

Key facts

  • W.A. Dwiggins designed book spines by hand.
  • He was not paid extra for spine design.
  • Spines were created using paste-ups with original artwork.
  • Mistakes were corrected with hand-drawn type or ornament.
  • Dwiggins knew books are displayed spine-out in stores.
  • His covers were beautiful but spines were the first sight for buyers.
  • Every mark on the spines is his handiwork.
  • The article is from The Daily Heller on PRINT Magazine.

Entities

Artists

  • W.A. Dwiggins

Institutions

  • PRINT Magazine

Sources