The edges of a book's pages can hold a picture. There are three popular ways to put one there: photo strip books, lenticular photo books and fore-edge painting. They look similar on a shelf, but they are made very differently. Here is how they compare.
Photo Strip Books (Foto Book Art)
A photo is cut into thin printed strips, one for each sheet, and each strip is fixed to the edge of its page. Fan the book and the photo appears. It is the easiest of the three: no drawing or painting, just printing, cutting and sticking. It works with any photo, which makes it a popular personal gift.
Lenticular Photo Books
A lenticular book holds two photos. Each strip carries a slice of both, side by side, and is folded over the page edge so the two photos face different ways. Fan the book one way and you see the first photo; fan it the other way and you see the second. It takes a little more care than a photo strip book, and the surprise of the second picture is what makes it special.
Fore-Edge Painting
The classic technique, used since at least the 1600s: the pages are fanned and clamped, and the picture is painted by hand on the fanned edge. When the book is closed the painting hides, often under gilded edges. It needs real painting skill and a lot of time, and every piece is one of a kind.
Which Should You Try First?
Start with a photo strip book. It teaches you how strips line up across the pages, and the result is impressive from the first try. Once you are comfortable, a lenticular book adds the wow of a second picture.