How to Buy and Maintain a Fur...

How to Buy and Maintain a Fur Coat, A Practical Guide to Luxury, by Leslie Goldin and Kalia Lulow (Harmony Books: $8.95).

Given that furs often cost as much as automobiles (this book maintains that mink coats range in price from $1,500 to $25,000 and that sables range from $15,000 to $150,000), a guide to buying, storing, cleaning, repairing and remodeling fur apparel makes great sense. Especially when one of the authors is an expert (Goldin), who grew up in the family business. Goldin’s father started working in the fur district when he was 14.

The authors have wisely provided many facts--general price range, colors, how long each type fur typically lasts, texture, how warm each fur is and what type of maintenance is required. And the authors have provided this information not just for the better-known, popular furs but for some of the more esoteric ones (weasel, fitch, skunk, ermine, to name a few) as well.

There are also authoritative tips on where to buy a fur (both the advantages and disadvantages of the various types of retailers are discussed), how to choose a fur style, how to talk to a furrier, how to maintain a fur coat and more.