Let's be clear from the start: The Glue Book is exactly what it says on the tin. Published in the 1940s, it is a comprehensive guide to the glues of its era. Author J.A. Taggart methodically walks you through different types—from animal-based hide glues to early synthetics—explaining what they're made of, how to prepare them (often involving double-boilers and precise temperatures), and what projects they're best suited for. Think furniture repair, bookbinding, and even early aviation. The 'plot' is simply the journey from a raw material to a strong, reliable bond.

Why You Should Read It

You don't read this to learn how to fix a broken mug today. You read it for the voice. Taggart's earnest, no-nonsense passion is captivating. In a world of super-glues, his detailed rituals for simmering glue pots feel like ancient alchemy. The book is a snapshot of a hands-on, DIY world that largely doesn't exist anymore. There's something genuinely charming about his absolute conviction that mastering glue is a cornerstone of practical skill. It’s less of a manual and more of a portrait of a meticulous mind.

Final Verdict

This is a niche read, but a delightful one. It's perfect for history buffs who love social history through everyday objects, makers and artists curious about old-school techniques, or anyone who enjoys wonderfully specific and antiquated non-fiction. It's the kind of book you pull off the shelf to give someone a bemused smile and say, "Get a load of this." Approach it as a curious artifact, not a how-to guide, and you'll be stuck to its pages.