I don't suppose you have own/have access to/know someone with a thermal [http://unibindsystems.co.uk/binding-machines.html|binding machine] do you? They're quite effective, my sister has repaired several of my old books.
But if they're precious books... maybe you'd want to go for something with a little more reverence. I'd recommend going to a professional for that kind of thing.
Just a thought anyway. :)