No comments about The American Indian Parfleche: A Tradition of Abstract Painting.

No comments about Salvatore Ferragamo: The Art of the Shoe 1898-1960.

No comments about King of the Western Saddle: The Sheridan Saddle and the Art of Don King (Folk Art and Artists Series).

3 comments about Whips and Whipmaking.

1. I met Mr. Morgan after owning this book. He is a person who knows what he is talking about, either in printed or first hand information. The general view on such a beautiful craft makes you be aware of the different circumstances which led to different styles and handling. It too, helps you learn much of the basic techniques, such as braiding, paring, cutting, making knots, dee belts and hat straps. You can't make a whip from this book (let's say a finely braided kangaroo whip), but, as he states, much of whipmaking is empyrical; you have to be open-minded and try everything you have at hand to improve your skill, always trying to keep up with excellent quality. Be sure to analyze and understand his formulas for the width of strands and diameter. This is, mostly, what will lead you to good shaped thongs (though balance and appearance, tightness in braiding will be gained gradually). For those who are fond of mathematics, try to see how trygonometry is related to it (I found it out, and helps quite a lot! This does not mean that only engineers can make them, but you understand and learn faster). I'd like to recommend another book, available through Amazon.com, also. It's "How to make whips" by Ron Edwards. Eventhough I own the Australian edition, Cornell Maritime Press has made a great job by editing it for America. Anyway, I think you should buy Morgan's book first, to understand, and appreciate this craft and this book (Edwards') on the right level. Remember, if you bought the latter first, be sure to get this one! One-of-a-kind for your leather library.



2. Now in its second edition, revised with additional information concerning whips made in the Mongol tradition and the evolution of whip design in general, Whips And Whipmaking is a straightforward, easy-to-follow guide and to the art of leather braiding to create whips for performance or sport use. Black-and-white photographs and an extensive discussion of the lore, history, and quirks of whips through the centuries make Whips And Whipmaking a one-of-a-kind, information packed resource.



3. Mr. Morgan's book is excellent for those who want to learn a variety of skills in order to hone one's leather plaiting and learn the basics behind how a whip is made. However, it does not lead one with limited experience with whips on what leads directly to making one.
   
   For that, Ron Edwards "How to Make Whips" is much better.

2 comments about Making and Repairing Western Saddles.

1. It is truly sad that Dave Jones book is no longer in print. I've read numerous books on the craft of making western saddles and none comes close to the clarity and detail of Jones' book. It is with his guidance that I am now embarked on the journey of building my first saddle. Without his book, with its clear descriptions, step by step instructions and numerous photographs, I do not believe I would have had the temerity to attempt the task, but he makes it seem a completely doable, if time consuming, task.



2. This book is best used by someone who already has some leathercraft projects under his belt. Building on this assumed knowledge, the book covers the things you need to know about constructing western saddles, such as buying tools/supplies, construction techniques, etc.

No comments about Leathercrafting: Procedures and Projects.

3 comments about Antique Trunks: Identification & Price Guide.

1. A treasure trove on this fascinating subject, the informative text, beautiful photos, and handsome lay-out, combine to make this tome invaluable. This well-researched work paints a portrait of a young and eager nation moving on. Whether you're a serious collector or a casual consumer, this exquisite book will chronicle for you the unique industry of American trunk making. The dozens of color photos bring the past to life. Looks great on the coffee table too!



2. It is just what I wanted. Like it very much.



3. I have restored, refinished and sold many antique and vintage trunks. A big part of my success has been "Antique Trunks" because of the excellent historical background, trunk information and pictures.
   
   Identification, values and years are sometimes difficult to determine but Linda and Paul offer a guide that in most cases will help you whittle down to insightful information about your trunk or trunks you wish to purchase.
   
   This well laid out book offers a guide to parts and sections of a trunk, old fashioned Victorian labels, manufacturers complete with locations and addresses, locks, handles, hasps, tips for basic refinishing and restoration.
   
   The guide helps in the identification process in particular because it provides date ranges related to specific designs used in specific time periods.
   
   Besides written information and photographs one section offers diagrams of trunks styles related to patents from years past.
   
   This book is soft cover with a complete glossy finish and will serve you well in most endeavors concerning a by gone era of steamer trunks and the modern era of bringing them back to life and usefulness. Enjoy!

5 comments about Saddles.

1. I recieved this book as a gift and was SO EXCITED.
   I wished to learn more about old saddles, dates, maufacturing, types, etc.
   I was really dissapointed when I sat down to read it.
   It was very vauge...not at all what I was expecting.
   And NOT WORTH $50.00 (to me).



2. I recieved this book as a gift and was SO EXCITED.
   I wished to learn more about old saddles, dates, maufacturing, types, etc.
   I was really dissapointed when I sat down to read it.
   It was very vauge...not at all what I was expecting.
   And NOT WORTH (the money) (to me).



3. When I first read this book a few years ago, I was very dissapointed at the fact that Mr Beatie has not given credit to the true creator, the mexican horseman, of the so called "western saddle". I would rather recommend a study on saddles done by the Smithsonian Institite. Mr Russel's book, like many other books on western culture is full of bias. This book is not worth the price.



4. Mr. Beatie researched and wrote this book in the late 70's. I agree with other reviewers that there is some lack of information in certain areas. However, I urge those who treasure saddles for their artistry and historic value to forgive these criticisms and to see the book as it is--a beautifully presented depiction of the history of the saddle in the U.S.

   The author begins his book in earlier times, but quickly moves to this country. It is apparent that the author is in love with the western saddle for it is on this piece that he devotes most energy.

   I have collected, conserved, researched, and restored old saddles since I was 11 years old (I'm 41 now) and I can tell readers that in the 70's, and even until the last 12 years or less, it was very difficult to research saddlery due to the fact that one often needed to physically examine a saddle to secure one's own conclusions regarding its history, origin, and age. Often, photographs could not provide enough detail to offer conclusive information. Authors of saddlemaking and saddle collecting books in this decade are fortunate to have at their disposal the technology we now take for granted. Information is more accessible, and many saddle owners who were heretofore unknown are now able to connect across thousands of miles to share their knowledge with each other. And, there are now more of us out there, discovering these treasures in barns and attics.

   So, please, if you love saddlery, forgive Mr. Beatie for being on the forefront of the writers on this subject, forgive him for having published his book twenty-two years ago instead of two years ago, and enjoy this big, beautiful book for what it is--a splendid visual homage to the western saddle.




5. I'am very happy to have this book in my collection. Lots of great pictures and information.

5 comments about Deerskins Into Buckskins: How To Tan With Natural Materials - A Field Guide for Hunters and Gatherers.

1. Without much success, I stumbled around for a while trying to figure out how to brain tan deer hides. Then I came across Matt's book, Deerskins into Buckskins. Simply put, there is no better resource available for anyone interested in learning how to tan. The reader is carried step by step through the process in a way that makes it easy to understand. Each and every step is thoroughly explained in language that is easy to follow. Beyond the basic process, there are sections that cover variations to the standard tanning method, making stuff with your finished hide, the history of tanning, trouble shooting, and more. I picked up the book dubious that I cold learn a seemingly difficult process from a book alone. I was pleasantly surprised. I highly recommend Deerskins into Buckskins for anyone interested in tanning. There is also an instructional DVD companion. Between the two, it would be impossible for anyone not to become a successful tanner.



2. I had been brain tanning for many years when I first read this book. After trying some of Matt's ideas, my hides came out softer the first time and had very few hides that needed re-softening.
   
   Matt's book is simply written, his ideas and techniques are solid, and if you follow his instruction, you WILL make great leather. I once met a young lady that showed me her first four hides she ever brain tanned. They were great, and she learned how to do it from this book. In fact, I use his book in the brain tanning classes I teach. It is that good.



3. Deerskins into buckskins is a wonderful resource. Matt Richards completely breaks down the science of tanning into an understandable form that even newby tanners can utilize. This book only covers the wet scrape process, but he provides insight as well as alternative methods. I would definately recommend this book to anyone interested in making their own buckskin as a hobby or small scale company. Matt also keeps it fun, this is not a dry list of things to remember.



4. I bought this book wanting to learn how to make buckskins and that is exactly what it does. I received the book in the mail and could not put it down until I finished. Matt Richards' takes you from the raw skin all through the steps to the finished buckskin. I would recommend this book to anyone, even if you didn't wish to make buckskins you will learn a lot about the history and the process of how buckskinning works. Once I bought the book I had to buy the video, which is also Great! I enjoyed it from the visual point of view, by being able to actually see the process, while Matt goes step by step. Love both the book and Video!!!



5. This book was well written, entertaining, and motivating. I'll definitely be tanning some hides this fall, and I plan to keep the book close as a reference. I appreciated the level of detail and the photos & drawings which answered all my questions about the tanning process. It also contained a healthy dose of humor to lighten things up a bit. I couldn't be happier with the book!

3 comments about Making Leather Purses & Totes.

1. Can't wait to try some of the project. This book give
   leather craft a new look.



2. This book is beautifully done, but suffers from the problems I've seen in other books on leather bags. The actual leather bag patterns are too small to be practical for use. Many of the bags as shown appeal only to young girls playing dress up. This is not to say that they couldn't be made tasteful, if still undersized. A few of the projects, surprisingly, are only accented by leather and are otherwise store bought bags. There are some good ideas in this book, but not enought to justify the price for the already accomplished leatherworker. I don't recommend it, and would have returned it if the shipping both ways would not have exceeded the cost of the book.



3. This book has really great projects even for those of us who haven't done a lot of leather crafting before. There are some really unique looks that I know would look great with my wardrobe.