Two new tanning books released
Two new books likely to be of interest to exotic and mainstream tanners alike have recently hit the bookshelves.
The first is ‘The Reptile Skin,’ by Karlheinz Fuchs and Manuel Fuchs. As its name indicates, the book is centred on the identification of different reptile skins and is aimed not just at leather experts, but also Customs officers.
In addition to a detailed introduction to the subject, the methods normally used for skinning each species are set out, as is the histology and microscopic anatomy of reptile skins, and details of the formation of skin pigments and their chemical structure. Clear data concerning the most important distinctive feature is also provided, including pigmentation, anatomical details, general markings, and precise measurement concerning skin dimensions. The book is published in German and English and is richly illustrated including photographs showing both the living reptile and the tanned skins.
The second new publication is ‘Buckskin: The Ancient Art of Brain Tanning,’ by Steven Edholm and Tamara Wilder. The book is published by California-based Paleotechnics and is said to offer a practical ‘hands-on’ guide to home tanning by the wet scrape method, which is described as an ancient and time proven method of tanning.
