The manipulation of natural grains, texture, and the coloring of leather is a frequent method of book decoration. As an additional artistic element, binders sometimes sculpt the surface of the leather, and apply embossed decorations.

Year: 1799
Reference: Junius. Stat Nominus Umbra... London, Printed by T. Bensley, for Vernor and Hood, J. Cuthell, Lackington, Allenm and Co., J. Walker, R. Faulder, Otridge and Son, and Ogilvy and Son, 1799. v.1, 274 p. 23 x 14 cm.
Description: Bound in dark blue, straight-grain morocco, with decorative roll borders and ornaments on covers and spine in gilt. Title in gilt on spine. Gilt decorative roll on turn-ins. All edges gilt.
Catalog Record: http://ibisweb.miami.edu/search/o?SEARCH=1674055+

Year: 1635
Reference: James Shirley (1596-1666). The Traytor. A Tragedie... London: Printed for William Cooke..., 1635. Unaged. 18.5 x 13.5 cm.
Description: Bound in full green morocco with single gilt fillet border on covers. Raised spine bands. Gilt title and ornaments on spine. Gilt decorative roll on turn-ins.
Signed binding. Binder's stamp on front endpaper: Bayntun. Binder. Bath. Eng.
Binder: Bayntun
Gift: William T. Reich
Catalog Record: http://ibisweb.miami.edu/search/o?SEARCH=4978924

Year: 1665
Reference: Sulpicius Serverus. Sulpici Serveri Presbyteri Opera Omnia. Cum Lectissimis Commentarijs. Accurante Georgio Hornio. Amstelodami, Apud Elzevirios. Lugd: Bat: et Roterod: apud Hackios, 1665. 329 p. 13 x 8 cm.
Description: Bound in red, straight-grain morocco with decorative roll and double fillets borders in gilt. Decorative black leather inlays on spine. Ornaments, fillets and title on spine in gilt. Gilt decorative roll on turn-ins.
Signed binding. Tooled in gilt: Bozevian.
Binder: Bozevian
Gift: Mrs. Walton B. McDaniel
Catalog Record: http://ibisweb.miami.edu/search/o?SEARCH=3363241|

Year: 1906
Reference: Elbert Hubbard (1856-1915). The Man of Sorrows; Being a Little Journey to the Home of Jesus of Nazareth. East Aurora, N.Y.: The Roycrofters, 1906. 111 p. 21.5 x 14 cm.
Description: Bound in brown leather with blind, handcarved pictorial covers. Set in double ruled frame.
Bound at the Roycroft Press. Signed binding: In manuscript on front endpaper: T[?]. Kranz made this book. Jul 3. 1905.
Binder: Roycroft Press
Gift: Mrs. O.J. Tanner, Jr.
Catalog Record: http://ibisweb.miami.edu/search/o?SEARCH=2759662|

Year: 1974
Reference: José Hernández (1834-1886). Martín Fierro y La Vuelta de Martín Fierro. Buenos Aires, Argentina: Ediciones 'Jagüel', 1974. 285 p. 15 x 11 cm.
Description: Bound in brown leather with blindstamped, embossed pictorial covers.
Signed binding. Binder's label on inside of back cover: CCC.
Binder: CCC
Gift: Robert Agramonte
Catalog Record: http://ibisweb.miami.edu/search/o?SEARCH=20422006