Blue Steel & Gunleather by John Bianchi (1978, Book, Illustrated)

This book was written by the legendary John Bianchi, who became one of the world's foremost holster makers. The book is based upon his years of research and experience and his collection of old, original gunleather from some famous individuals and not so famous, but dating back to the 19th century. It is rich with photos, almost 200, including the classic ad photos for concealed carry holsters featuring John wearing as many as 12 weapons under his business suit at a time.

The company he founded has just celebrated it's 50th anniversary, and they're still one of the premier holster companies in the world. I believe this book is the definitive work on holsters and methods of carry, even 30 years after it's original publishing date. Some of the chapters in the book are titled: The Old Gunfighters and Their Leather; Holster Development; Police and Military Holsters; Concealment Holsters and Bianchi's Law; Shoulder Holsters; Combat Style Competition Holsters; Sportsmen's Leather; Wear and Care; Future Trends in Holsters and others. There are also a couple of Appendixes, I and II; How Holsters Are Made, and Leather Makers I Have Known, and a couple of Glossaries; Glossary of Holster Terminology, and Glossary of Leather Terminology. This book is a virtual textbook of holster making, and the use of holsters. If you can find a copy, I highly recommend it.