by the book

: a set of written sheets of skin or paper or tablets of wood or ivory

: a set of written, printed, or blank sheets bound together between a front and back cover

: a long written or printed literary composition

: derived from books (see ¹book 1) and not from practical experience

: shown by ledgers

: to register (something, such as a name) for some future activity or condition (as to engage transportation or reserve lodgings)

: to schedule engagements for

: to set aside time for