Pigskin bindings are made from alum tawed pigskin. The binding is very strong and can withstand a great deal of wear and tear. The skins were then stretched over wooden boards which made the books even sturdier. Pigskin does not easily accept gold tooling so most of the decoration is blindstamped. The use of pigskin was particularly popular in Germany in the fifteenth and sixteenth centuries. The process has recently undergone a revival due to its superior archival qualities.

Year: 1539
Reference: Bible. Latin. 1539. Biblia Sacra Utriusque Testamenti, et Vetus Quidem Post Omnes Omnium Hactenus Aeditiones, Opera D. Sebast. Musteri... Tigrui apud Christo phorum Froschoverum, 1539. Unaged. 23 x 16 cm.
Description: Bound in pigskin over wooden boards. Blindstamped covers. Brass clasps in the shape of bird heads.
Gift: Mr. and Mrs. O.J. Tanner, Jr.
Catalog Record: http://ibisweb.miami.edu/search/o?SEARCH=17394500|

Year: 1507
Reference: Virgil. Opera Vergiliana docte et Familiariter Expositer; Docte Quidem Bucolica & Georgica a Seruio... Ex Officina Ascensiana Im pedio Ionnis, Parui, 1507. Unpaged. 33 x 22.5 cm.
Description: Blindstamped pigskin over wooden boards. Brass clasps, damaged.
Gift: William T. Reich
Catalog Record: http://ibisweb.miami.edu/search/o?SEARCH=20466070