Okay I'm completely new to the leather scene, and frankly books are what have brought me here. Bookbinding is something that I've always wanted to do and the thoughts of a high quality leather bound tome are the kinds of stuff dreams were made of growing up. I know I'm not gonna get there right off the bat but I'm wanting to start in the right direction. Every book I've read on the subject (including books dating to the late1800's and early 1900's) seem to all address one massive issue. Poor quality leather. Especially leather decay and deterioration due to acid content especially sulfuric acid levels.
Thats the intro sorry for the lack of a well thought out question I'm finding it hard to ask this quite the right way. First off I'm thinking of raising my own goats here in the next few months and want to use as much of the animals as possible, and I felt tanning the hides was a perfect way to help with that. However I've ran into a couple walls when finding a way to make a long lasting bookbinding styled leather. I don't mind using other tanning processes for other items as I don't usually care about looks as much as utility but in the case of my books I want my handbound library to be able to be of archival quality eventually.
So I guess a more concise way to ask my question is: How can one tan a leather that has next to no acid content.
Thanks in advance.
Edit: I've read so far that using sumac Is apparently a popular choice but Bookbinding sources are not usually competent in matters involving leather except as to what is pleasing to the eye.