Leather for Libraries

"Leather for Libraries" by E. Wyndham Hulme, J. Gordon Parker, A. Seymour-Jones, Cyril Davenport, and F. J. Williamson is a detailed manual exploring the world of bookbinding leather, particularly for libraries, during the early 1900s. It looks into how leather for bookbinding was made in the past and how it was changing, stressing how important good leather is for keeping books in good shape. The writing likely covers all types of leather, explaining what makes each one special and how to use them correctly when binding books for libraries. It covers the history of tanning leather with sumac in England, why leather used for bookbinding these days falls apart so quickly, and what to look for in modern bookbinding leathers. The authors point out that new ways of tanning leather, using acids and other harsh chemicals, are actually causing the leather to decay faster. Further, the book shares realistic advice on what a bookbinding workshop should be equipped with and how to choose top-notch leather, all to help library books last longer and stay strong, promoting superior standards for bookbinding supplies and techniques.