Customer Reviews

The Armourer and His Craft: From the XIth to the XVIth Century

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It's clearly specified in the title. This book provides an interesting look into the art of armor construction and also into the lives of the armorers and the people who hired them. The book is written in a simple but informative style.

Although the book is old (original edition is from 1912), the text is concise and clear. The pictures and illustrations (which are most medieval drawings) are very nice.

A very intersting read.

The books main focus is the history of armor. If you are looking for a guide on how to make armor this is not the resource you want.

I don't mind the fact that this book is a little dated. I enjoyed the descriptions and illustrations and learned a few things that I hadn't known already. Although ffoulkes is a little biased about the types of armour he prefers, he none the less presents information and construction elements that apply to all harnesses. There are references in french that aren't translated, and several erroneous footnotes that are untraceable and confusing. Besides it's downfalls, there are excellent points to the book: easy to read, easy to follow, and full of tidbits you'll be pleased to rediscover when you pick it up for a second or third time. It is definately worth the inexpensive price, and should be on the reference shelf of armour enthusiasts.

This is a good book but note the title - "The Armourer and His Craft" ... the title is NOT "How to Craft Armour From the XIth to the XVIth Century" - I think a lot of people here got the wrong idea and were disappointed.

As an insight into the armourer though, it is very interesting.

More of a historical record - with reprints of armour related period text, invoices, and treaties. A few photos of armour and period engravings. An interesting read for the armour historian - not a 'how to' or 'techniques' text.