Customer Reviews

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

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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!!

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!

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.

This is a beautiful book with great pictures. For a jewelry maker like me, it's a great resource for info and ideas. I made an exact copies of some Tibetan earrings pictured in the book, and people always compliment me on them.

It's amazing to see the craftsmanship that was put into jewelry thousands of years ago and

that many jewelry styles we wear today are so similar, if not exactly the same, as ancient designs.

I had taken this book out of the library a few times, but decided I wanted my own copy for reference and enjoyment.

I bought this book for my granddaughter for Christmas, read the whole book before I gave it to her, kept that book and bought her another one. It is as much a history book as it is an outstanding chronicle on beads in every culture. Well worth the cost.

I am an industrial designer and a jewellery maker and although not a bead collector this book is an huge source of information. It is beautifully edited and designed with astonishing photographs and deep content. I have almost all the books on the subject but this one is the most fantastic one.