I learned bookbinding from a grumpy communist while living and working in Costa Rica in the early 2000s. The craft immediately hooked me. It was tactile, functional, practical, and creative. I have been building and repairing books ever since.

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Mordecai Book Building grew naturally as my skills and services expanded. Today, my bindery sits on the edge of the Driftless Region just west of Madison, Wisconsin, producing small batch journals, custom pocket books, Bible re-cases, and limited edition handbound works.

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In 2018, I restored a Vandercook No. 4 and brought letterpress printing into the studio. In early 2024, I added a 1953 Heidelberg Windmill, significantly increasing efficiency, output, and the range of services I can offer.

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Much of my current work focuses on custom pocket books for retailers, educators, and service providers who want to share meaningful information through tactile takeaways that people actually keep. 

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In addition to building books and letterpress printing, I provide layout, composition, copyediting, and small run publishing services.

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If you have a book that needs repair, or you are interested in a batch of custom pocket books that will genuinely delight your clients, customers, friends, or followers, email tobie@mordecaibooks.com with a description of your project and lets make something rad together.