The Art of the Anglo-Saxon Goldsmith: Fine Metalwork in Anglo-Saxon England: its Practice and Practitioners (Anglo-Saxon Studies) [Hardcover]

Elizabeth Coatsworth (Author), Michael Pinder (Author)

Book Description

ISBN-10: 0851158838 | ISBN-13: 978-0851158839 | Publication Date: August 15, 2002

Throughout the Anglo-Saxon period, goldsmiths produced work of a high standard in both design and craftsmanship, both for personal adornment, and to embellish bookbindings, reliquaries, vessels and weapons. Some works are well known, particularly the magnificent gold and garnet regalia from Sutton Hoo, but this represents only a fraction even of the surviving work, and much more has been lost. This book is the first to look at the goldsmiths' products through the eyes of both a specialist in the period and a practical craftsman, combining close examination of the surface and structure of the objects with analysis of inscriptions and evidence for design, and with literary and visual sources of evidence for smiths and their work. Archaeological and documentary evidence for workshops, tools and working processes is also assessed, and up-to-date technical information on materials and techniques is juxtaposed with new practical research to throw light on manufacturing and decorative processes, and, more widely, to give a fresh idea of the position of the goldsmith in his society.

Editorial Reviews

Review

In its sharp observation, lucid presentation, and masterful synthesis of information, (this book) represents a significant and most welcome contribution to early medieval archaeology, art history, and history of science. --Technology and Culture

Ambitious and wide-ranging.(...) Should be consulted as a first step by anyone with a serious interest in Anglo-Saxon metalwork. --College Art Association

About the Author

Dr ELIZABETH COATSWORTH is Senior Lecturer in the Department of History of Art and Design, Manchester Metropolitan University; Dr MICHAEL PINDER is Senior Lecturer in the Department of Architecture, Landscape and 3DD, at the same university.

Product Details

• Hardcover: 318 pages
• Publisher: Boydell Press (August 15, 2002)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0851158838
• ISBN-13: 978-0851158839
• Product Dimensions: 9.2 x 6.4 x 1.3 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.8 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 4.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (1 customer review)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #2,979,974 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

4.0 out of 5 stars Excelent but not for beginers, January 8, 2010

By 

K. Glazewski "Kaze" (Savannah, GA USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: The Art of the Anglo-Saxon Goldsmith: Fine Metalwork in Anglo-Saxon England: its Practice and Practitioners (Anglo-Saxon Studies) (Hardcover)

I'm using this book extensively in my Senior Project for college graduation. For the metalsmith interested in history, it has excellent explanations of techniques and theories, for the historian interested in anglo-saxon jewelry, there are definitions and descriptions of techniques, and comparisons to modern techniques in some places. Good organization and lots of references and further reading.

A bit intense for an introduction, one aught to have a basis in one or the other fields of study, i think.