In THE UNSELECTED JOURNALS OF EMMA M LION vol. 3 by Beth Brower, Emma wins a copy of a fictitious book called LATIN PHRASES FOR THE UNREPENTANT. The only thing is, this is such a funny idea for a book that I thoroughly wish it was a real book. So, when I threw a tea party for all my Emma Lion loving friends , I decided to make everyone a copy to take home!
I started by reading through all 8 books again looking for each time a Latin Phrase was used, and then looking up a meaning if it wasn’t provided. I also researched a number of actual Latin insults (Emma refers to studying “Latin insults”, but never says any), Latin pronunciation, and a list of the -cides. I even left a few blank pages in the back for when I find new phrases I need to jot down. Then I bound it into a book (just call me Chambers).
To save you most of that work, I have this pdf, pro bono, all ready for printing double sided to make yourself a 4″x6″ book, and I’m going to walk you through how to bind it.
DISCLAIMER: I do not know Latin, have not studied Latin, and am perhaps even less versed than Pierce. While I did my best to be accurate, I wouldn’t go insulting any Eton boys unless you’ve done your homework to double check my work here. Caveat emptor.
Instructions:
To make your own Latin Phrases book, start by printing the 5 page file I’ve attached (double sided, flip on short edge). Then use a paper cutter to remove the top and bottom to the guideline on the first page DON’T CUT THE SIDES YET!
Carefully fold the book along the center with the guide page on the outside. NOW you may cut off the sides. This is to prevent something we call “page creep” that makes the middle pages stick out further if you cut before folding.
Then, if you want to, you can use the guide as a template to cut out some cute scrapbook paper to make a more interesting “endpaper”. Otherwise, you can just use the guide page as an endpaper, but I discovered that the copy paper shows the glue spots, so I wished I had used something thicker. If you choose to use a pattern paper, be sure to fold it so the pattern faces towards the title page.
Then we are going to sew this together. Or, in bookbinding terms we will make it into a “signature”. Open up to the middle of the book (between pages 8 and 9). I pre-poked 7 holes in the crease to make the sewing easier (one in the middle, and three equally spaced on either side). Then sew the pages together, hiding knots in the back. I just go down up (a running stitch) from one end to the other, and then the other way back, tying it off in the back. Tuh Duh! That’s your signature!
Then it’s time to make the cover. Cut two 4″x6″ pieces of cardboard, and one 1/4″x6″ strip. I used a ruler and a xacto knife.
Then cut out a generous sized fabric rectangle. I did 8″x 12″. The fabric I used is a black canvas, since Emma describes her copy of LATIN PHRASES FOR THE UNREPENTANT as “a pleasantly size black book.” Just for fun though, I’m making this example green.
Glue the back of your cardboard down so that there’s at least an inch on all sides. I spread it around with a paint brush to make it even.
Clip the corners of the fabric to reduce bulkiness. Then, glue the flaps down all the way around.
The last thing to do is glue your endpapers down to attach your signature to the cover. I start with the first half inch or so on both sides to make sure its centered and the book closes easily. Then when I’s sure that’s right I add glue to the rest of the page.
And there you have it! Your very own LATIN PHRASES FOR THE UNREPENTANT, ready to pull out of your reticule for a witty retort at a moment’s notice!
Kimberly Horch 