covering

Process of applying a covering material (skin, fabric, paper) to the boards and spine of a book.

bookbinding leather

Animal leather (e.g., goat or calf) used in bookbinding to cover a book.

foot

Part of the skin that covered the upper portion of the animal’s legs; it is seldom used for covering.

butt

Part of the skin that covered the back and hindquarters of the animal; it is the part most often used for covering because it is thick and supple.

tail

Part of the skin that covered the rear portion of the animal’s back and hindquarters; it is seldom used in bookbinding.

flank

Part of the bookbinding leather that covered the animal’s stomach; it is used less often than the butt because it warps easily.

neck

The part of the bookbinding leather between the animal’s head and shoulders; it is less used than the butt for covering, mainly because it is veiny.

head

The forepart of the bookbinding leather that covered the animal’s neck.