As shown on the cover, there are numerous beautiful shoes to create with a surprising amount of detail and style. The author shows step by step how to source tools and materials, design and create the shoes. The first 10% of the page content is given to a thorough introduction of tools and materials including specific appropriate tools and supplies (mostly leather, no alternatives given for vegan readers, although experimentation would surely provide appropriate non-animal materials - repurposed rubber soles with woven uppers?).
The second chapter covers the sandalmaking process - making patterns, cutting, lining, fitting, finishing, gluing, etc. The individual project tutorials are divided into two chapters roughly thematically: sandals and shoes. The projects are beautifully stylish and really professional looking. These are bespoke level shoes (literally - the author does bespoke work and these are at least some of her processes and techniques). All of the tutorials are well and clearly photographed.
The end of the book includes all the templates for the projects (in the final release version, not included in the eARC), along with an index, links for further info, metric conversion chart, shopping sources and lists, a short links list to other shoe artisan crafters, a glossary, and author bio.
There just aren't that many shoemaking books out there, and this one is quite good for beginners as well as intermediate learners.
Four stars. Well worth a look for the crafty reader. This would also be quite welcome for self sufficiency folks, smallholders, and the like. I would definitely recommend it to makers' groups, school library, scout activity groups, etc.
Disclosure: I received an ARC at no cost from the author/publisher for review purposes
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