Our website home page highlights 2 scarce books, Hides and Skin Markets of the World, Freudenberg, 1959, private publication and Report of the Committee of the Society of Arts on Leather for Bookbinding, 1905, edition with leather samples

One of the copies that we have of Freudenberg was given to our firm when originally published, about 60 years ago. Since, we have purchased additional copies as they become available from collectors. The difference between Hides and Skins is in nomemclature which refers to size. Hides are large, such as Cowhides, Water Buffalo Hides. Skins are much smaller, such as lambskin, calfskin, goatskin.  One would NEVER refer to goat leather as goat hide! Freudenberg brings some interesting data, for example, on Sokoto goats which we have been selling for 30 odd years for bookbinding.  Freudenberg provides some of the details of the tanning , which was not otherwise available before. He speaks about using bagaruwa,  and other naturally occurring botanicals in production. Many bookbinders who trained on Sokoto goats many years ago, would sometimes refer to these skins as Nigers.  These skins are not from Niger. Niger, as of 1959 had never been an exporter of leather or hides. Calling Sokoto goatskins Nigers, though it may sound familiar to many, is actually incorrect. One notable bookbinder who preferred Sokoto goatskins was Douglas Cockerell, a master craftsman of the early 20th century known for his meticulous attention to detail. Cockerell praised the durability and unique texture of Sokoto goatskins, which he found ideal for creating long-lasting, aesthetically pleasing book covers. His works, often showcased in exhibitions, highlight the exceptional quality and beauty of these skins.