Bookbinding and the Conservation of Books
A Dictionary of Descriptive Terminology

roan

The typical roan has a close, tough, long, boarded grain, a compact structure, and is usually dyed a red color. Originally, roans were leathers tanned exclusively with sumac (as were the moroccos); however, in later years they were often tanned with other vegetable tannins. They were used extensively for covering books from about 1790 until well into the 19th century, but have been seldom used since that time. (69 , 264 , 343 , 351 )