In its original condition, this book was unable to be used properly: the cloth along the spine was severely abraded along the outer hinges and there was loss of cloth at the tail of the spine, exposing the text-block. The corners of the board were exposed and soft, the cloth having been worn completely through. The cover was becoming detached from the text-block, with the inner front hinge completely splitting and exposing the spine linings holding the cover in place. Several of the illustrations inside (printed on a smooth calendared paper) were completely detached from the text-block and the sewing of the text-block itself was loose.

The spine and boards were removed and the text-block was disbound and guarded using Japanese kozo tissue and methylcellulose. The loose illustrations inside were tipped back onto the text-block. A new spine piece was made using 10-point card stock and unbleached linen toned to blend with the original cloth on the spine and boards. After resewing the text-block onto thin tapes, the spine was relined with Japanese tissue and an extended linen lining. The corners were mended with wheat starch paste and toned tissue. The boards were reattached to the text-block and the new spine piece was attached. The original spine was trimmed of fraying cloth and re-adhered to the new spine piece. A double-wall clamshell box was later constructed to house the book.