When Margot Rosenberg and Bern Marcowitz opened Dog Lovers Bookshop, they expected to be asked mostly about dogs and canine literature. But soon they found themselves fielding questions about the care of books. Customers who bought books, especially older volumes, on providing good care for their dogs were often eager for guidance on how to care for their cherished books, too.

The book-care advice currently available is too often geared to book professionals, not amateur bibliophiles who just want to keep books safe and happy, remedy their simple ills, and perhaps enhance their value. The Care and Feeding of Books Old and New features easy-to-follow instructions that emphasize the use of common household products in simple repairs and in the cleaning of books and dust jackets.

Bern and Margot have written the book that they, and their customers, wanted: a concise and friendly volume comparable to the better commonsense guides to everyday dog care. Indeed, the authors think that their approach to book care is directly attributable to years of caring for all kinds of dogs, and the inspiration of dog books.

In short, this handy book-owner's manual is meant to help you become your books' best friend.