The study of the making of a medieval book helps inform approaches to preservation and conservation. The conservation of University Library MS Mm.3.1, Eusebius Caesariensis (Italy, c. 1460-1464), is an example of the use of appropriate materials and techniques. Whilst the conservation binding is not designed to replicate its medieval predecessors it is both structurally sound and aesthetically sympathetic to the text. In this case the materials used include best quality linen thread, linen cord and alum-tawed skin. The endbands are typical of those of the fifteenth century, comprising of a primary endband sewn in linen thread, to which is added three crowning cores by means of a secondary sewing. The secondary blue and white endbands, whilst decorative, perform an important structural role at the head and tail of the book.