This is the first book to deal exclusively with the conservation of leather objects over a wide field; it is sponsored by IIC. Commencing with an account of the nature of leather, the principal methods employed in its manufacture and the great diversity of types (English and American glossaries of leathers are included), it proceeds to list the chief causes of deterioration, to which certain kinds of leather are particularly prone, and then to enunciate the basic principles upon which both conservation and restoration should be institated. These are exemplified by reference to representative examples frora the author's personal experience, and include archaeological material from wet and dry locations, and historical material as diverse as harness and saddlery, travel bags and cases, military equipment, purses and pouches, footwear, gloves, belts and clothing, bookbindings, upholstery, mural hangings, caskets, black jacks and other molded objects and many other things. The latest cleaning and restorative chemicals, dressings and reinforcement materials are described and sources named. In a Foreword, Dr. A. E. Werner, Keeper of the British Museum Laboratory, commends this book to the attention of every museum director and his staff. Fifteen Illustrations. -- AATA