Anglo-Saxon Crafts (Revealing History) [Paperback]

Kevin Leahy (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: October 1, 2003 | Series: Revealing History

While the art and craftsmanship of the Anglo-Saxons is much admired, the background to this superb work is little understood. Kevin Leahy, a trained craftsman and archaeologist, looks at how the artifacts were made—at the materials, the tools, and techniques that were used. His survey ranges from casting a brooch to making a sword, from pottery and weaving to woodworking and building.

Editorial Reviews

From the Publisher

While the art and craftsmanship of the Anglo–Saxons is much admired, the background to this superb work is little understood. Kevin Leahy—a trained craftsman and archaeologist—looks at how the artifacts were made: at the materials, the tools and techniques that were used. His survey ranges from casting a brooch to making a sword, from pottery and weaving to woodworking and building.

Kevin Leahy is Principal Keeper, Archaeology and Natural Science, North Lincolnshire Museum.

Product Details

• Paperback: 192 pages
• Publisher: Tempus (October 1, 2003)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0752429043
• ISBN-13: 978-0752429045
• Product Dimensions: 9.8 x 6.8 x 0.6 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.1 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (3 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #752,863 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

18 of 18 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Technology I Can Understand, March 13, 2004

By 

Karen M. Carlson (Los Angeles, USA) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: Anglo-Saxon Crafts (Revealing History) (Paperback)

One of the appealing aspects of the A-S period to me is that a lot of the technology is simple enough that I can understand it, when it is clearly explained. Leahy's book does a good job of explaining (with diagrams as well as words) how a pole-lathe, for instance works. His description and depiction of a warp-weighted loom left me saying "I could operate one of those! I see how it works."

The bit about tablet weaving even inspired me to try it. Leahy's book is not a how-to primer in any of the crafts, but again I could see enough to understand the priciple. I found a web-site that give some simple instructions, made myself a set of "tablets" out of a Cheerios box, and got the thing to work!

13 of 13 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A Most Excellent Reference, January 17, 2005

By 

David Sander (Sydney, Australia) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: Anglo-Saxon Crafts (Revealing History) (Paperback)

Of most of the books purchased to aid in Dark Age re-enactment, this one has proven to be the most valuable, the most useful, and most reliable. Clear illustrations, a diverse range of topics and a transparent writing style has made this title probably the most thumbed reference in a stable of well over a dozen regularly used references. Even for those who do not partake in re-enactment, "Anglo-Saxon Crafts" is a fascinating glimpse into the society that provided the roots of modern western civilisation.

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Outsanding Resource!, June 1, 2007

By 

Olaf Lutherson (NW Louisiana) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Anglo-Saxon Crafts (Revealing History) (Paperback)

This is one of the best resources for Anglo-Saxon Crafts on the market. There are numerous subjects and some outstanding photos of archelogocial finds. For anyone interested in Dark Age re-enactment this book is a 'must have'. It is well written, easy to read, and the photos are detailed and clear.