The crafting of leather is as old as civilization itself, and perhaps even older. Certainly no one knows at what point in the unbelievably distant past our hunting ancestors worked out the techniques for curing and tanning the hides of the animals they killed for food and converting them to clothing, shelter, or tools. In a time when such vegetable fibers as flax and cotton were still unknown-and millenia before the production of synthetics-leather was a crucial necessity. And although it is no longer quite such a necessity today, it nonetheless plays an important part in our lives. Leather, among its other qualities, is attractive, has a sensual aspect, and can be worked in an extraordinary number of ways. And like so many objects in this world, it is enriched by the personal touch. Place a handcrafted leather belt next to a mass-produced one, and there is no comparison. And that belt becomes even more special if you have handcrafted it yourself! In this book, Sid Latham introduces you to this heady world of leathercrafting.
A good overall guide to leather working. My favourite part is the instructions for hide tanning. I look forward to trying them out someday. I have not actually followed the instructions in the book, so I do not know how thorough they are for actual crafting, but still something interesting to read if you are at all interested in the subject of leather crafting.