Yesterday I came across a multi-volume work with cat’s paw binding: ‘La bibliotheque des prédicateurs’, translated as ‘The Preachers’ Library’ by Rev. Father Vincent Houdry, of the Society of Jesus. Many of the pre-1801 books in Heythrop Library’s collection have beautiful and interesting bindings; cat’s paw is one of my favourites, so-called because it looks like a cat with inky paws has walked across the leather.
To create this effect, in a binder’s workshop, calfskin was treated with a chemical stain to produce a permanent mottled design. In this example (volume 4), the cat’s paw pattern is quite regular and light enough that the chemicals have not penetrated deeply into the calfskin, meaning the leather is still in relatively good condition.
Other leathers might be used for cat’s paw but calfskin has certain benefits including a smooth texture that accepts dyes well. Click here for more information about cat’s paw and other mottled bindings.
| Author | Houdry, Vincent, 1631-1729, author. |
| Title | La bibliotheque des prédicateurs / par le R. Pere Vincent Houdry, de la Compagnie de Jesus. |
| Imprint | A Lyon : Chez les Freres Bruyset, Ruë Merciere, au Soleil, & à la Croix D’or, 1731-1741. |
| Descript. | 22 volumes ; 26 cm (4to) |
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What are your thoughts about the above?