The History of Beads: From 100,000 B.C. to the Present, Revised and Expanded Edition [Hardcover]

Lois Sherr Dubin (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: November 1, 2009

Since its publication in 1987, The History of Beads has become the world's definitive guide for bead lovers, collectors, and scholars. In this new edition, bead expert Lois Sherr Dubin updates all chapters with the latest archeological discoveries, opens a new chapter on contemporary adornment since the 1980s, with a focus on glass beads, and best of all, adds 200 beads to what is considered by many to be the piece de resistance: the eight-page gatefold timeline that guides readers through the remarkably rich history of the world's first form of adornment.

The latest revisions include the oldest bead ever discovered, dating to 108,000 b.c. and explain why beads worn on the human body were the original media communication system. Updates include the numerous maps scattered throughout, which have been modernized and are now in color; 72 formerly black-and-white images have been replaced with full color; and 125 new photographs were added to this edition. Beautifully packaged with a new cover, this revised and expanded edition is a must-have for devotees of the first edition and for the next generation of bead obsessives and aficionados.

Editorial Reviews

From Booklist

Once a classic, always a classic. And better, when it’s substantially revised and updated. Dubin elevates her 22-year-old labor of love with major additions to her first chapter (thanks to archaeological finds in Peru and Georgia) and her last, with contemporary bead combinations worthy of a museum collection. Her scholarship is impeccable, as are the maps illustrating every period’s gem/bead sources. Natural jeweled wonders of the world—amber and pearls—occupy their own chapters; so do every major continent and special bead chronology. Plenty of full-color photographs populate every chapter, allowing readers to read the pictures (and learn the story) without benefit of words. Don’t forget the eight-page gatefold (plus four indexes) showing the time line of beads throughout history. Still a champion two decades later. --Barbara Jacobs

About the Author

Lois Sherr Dubin has collected and researched beads for over 50 years. She graduated from the University of Pennsylvania with a degree in landscape architecture and a strong background in ecology. Her international practice in this field enabled her to travel widely and to obtain beads from many countries. The History of Beads was her first book. She lives in New York City.

Product Details

• Hardcover: 396 pages
• Publisher: Abrams; Rev Exp edition (November 1, 2009)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0810951746
• ISBN-13: 978-0810951747
• Product Dimensions: 12.1 x 9.2 x 1.3 inches
• Shipping Weight: 4.6 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (6 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #319,647 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

26 of 26 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars The Gift that Keeps on Giving, November 10, 2009

By 

Honey Levin "Honey Levin" (Scottsdale, Arizona) - See all my reviews

This review is from: The History of Beads: From 100,000 B.C. to the Present, Revised and Expanded Edition (Hardcover)

What a treasure Lois Sherr Dubin has given us! In these turbulent and uncertain times, her latest book enables us to become enmeshed in the fascinating world of extraordinary beads while we leave our strife behind.

We travel the circuitous routes of trade from ancient Mesopotamia to Egypt and the Indus Valley from 2500 BC to 1600 BC; from 7500 BC to 1800 BC we read of the trade from Southeast Asia to the South Pacific. The Roman World, Europe, Asia, The Far East, North and South America--all are mapped in full color with dates and exact designations of beads that were transported among the cultures of each era and area.To accompany these maps, the author goes into great detail not only about the beads themselves but of the relationships they played in the religious, economic and cultural lives of each group.

Included is an exquisite eight page fold-out illustrating the historical panorama of beads. We are treated to over 400 photographs of dazzling beaded ornaments from the earliest times to present day. Especially exciting are the inventive and unique necklaces and bead work from contemporary artists. The photography is astounding; to view it is to have a definitive sensuous experience.

This updated version of the 1987 "History of Beads" begins with the very latest discovery of the world's oldest beads--approximately 108,000 BC at Skhul Cave on Mount Carmel in present day Israel "at about the time Homo Sapiens populations were replacing the Neanderthals and developing new and more complex cultures." The Skhul Cave beads were actually made of shell. This find is of immense importance as some scholars believe that "by at least 100,00 BC Homo Sapiens evolved in Africa and started expanding into other regions." The use and adornment of shell beads were actually a form of communication which may have led to a system of shared information. This one insight encourages the reader to delve more deeply into the world of beads, to place its importance in the development of mankind. And to enjoy the artistry and craftsmanship of these most beautiful works of art.

Ms. Dubin has given us the opportunity to do it all!!

12 of 12 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A must-have book for all serious beaders, March 3, 2010

By 

Bead Traveler (TX USA) - See all my reviews

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: The History of Beads: From 100,000 B.C. to the Present, Revised and Expanded Edition (Hardcover)

The book is a visual feast as well as an authoritative history of beads. It has given me a greater appreciation of the richness and value of the beading making tradition. While I don't collect antique beads, I think it's important for the modern day jewelry maker, bead maker, bead vendor, etc. to understand the history of bead patterns and materials. Ms. Dubin's book is simply wonderful!

7 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars I love my book, April 22, 2010

By 

Veronica Ramirez (SANTIAGO, METROPOLITANA, CL) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: The History of Beads: From 100,000 B.C. to the Present, Revised and Expanded Edition (Hardcover)

I am chilean and I never saw a book like this. I am recently interested in beads and this is a wonderful way to became a beadlover.