Handmade Shoes for Men elucidates the entire process of creating classic men's shoes, while the detailed color photographs document every stage of production. It is a worthy introduction, for both the professional and the layman, to the wealth of tradition that is waiting to be discovered in the shoemaker's workshop.
This was not the how-to guide I expected, but was still an enjoyable introduction to the world of bespoke (made-to-measure) shoes. The book is worth owning for the illustrations alone.
An excellent look at materials and construction. Chapters are 1. Size 2. Lasts 3. Shoe Styles 4. The Upper 5. The Shoe 6. Caring for Shoes 7. Workshops (a review of several top-tier, old-world shops)
What I take away is: Polish often, nearly anything can be repaired, and I have to learn proper lacing techniques.
Gee whiz! This book was a delight. While I wouldn't recommend buying it, because (???), it sure was fun to browse and skim.
I learned the difference between an oxford and a derby! You're curious now, right? It also helped me appreciate section on fine Italian footwear in the book How to Archer, so there was that.
Anyway, if you like knowing How Things Get Done, you might like this book.
Great book. The process of making a shoes is really a tedious one, and usually it's the part not visible to the eyes that takes the most amount of time and the most crucial to the comfort. Maybe I won't go that far to make my own bespoke shoes, but this book definitely brought my taste and judgement of beauty to another level.