Bookbinders often create special bindings using unusual animal skins and other materials. The use of alligator or crocodile hides and tortoise shells are examples of this practice.

Year: 1941
Reference: Máximo Gómez (1836-1905). Diario de Campaña del Mayor General Máximo Gómez... Ceiba del Agua, Habana: Impreso en los Talleres de Centro Superior Tecnológico, [1941]. 623 p. 27 x 20 cm.
Description: Full crocodile binding with gilt central ornament on front cover. Gilt lettering and ornaments on spine. Raised spine bands. Red spine label with gilt lettering. Turn-ins decorated with gilt ornaments.
Presented in memory of David Masnata.
Catalog Record: http://ibisweb.miami.edu/search/o?SEARCH=31322586

Year: 1899
Reference: Lew Wallace (1827-1905). The Fair God, A Tale of the Conquest of Mexico. Boston and New York: Houghton Mifflin and Company; The Riverside Press, 1899. 449 p. 25.5 x 18 cm.
Description: Bound in embossed suede with gilt stamped title block on front cover and spine. Gilt ornament on back cover.
Gift: Charles Deering
Catalog Record: http://129.171.32.28/search/o?SEARCH=3419826|

Year: 1649
Reference: Le Nouveav Testament, c'est à Dire, la Nouvelle Alliance de Nostre Seigneur Jesus Christ. [Amsterdam? 1649?]. Unpaged. 12 x 7 cm.
Description: Tortoise shell binding with metal bosses, edge guards, hinges and clasps. Gauffered edges.
Gift: Mrs. O.J. Tanner
Location: ASC Special BS2138 1649