Customer Reviews

Old Tools - New Eyes: A Primal Primer of Flintknapping

5 star:		(3)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(2)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

This book is a well written, but rather thin discussion of the methods and art flintknapping. Some of the author's observations, such as the problems of making sense of older illustrations and photographs of knappers making chipped stone tools are well taken.

The book falls short for a serious knapper or lithic technologist in several ways. First, the book is personal in tone. While this is not a problem normally, in this instance it relfects a highly subjective, personal approach and understanding of flint knapping. Second, there are references to sites the author has studied, but there are no citations for further reading about these places. There IS a brief bibliography that can help a budding knapper learn more. Third, there are limited discussion of alternatives for many technological decisions made by knappers, and little discussion of the actual degree of uncertainty we have regarding the techniques employed prehistorically in manufacturing a Folsom point for instance, or how such an artifact may have been used. Last, the illustrations are beautiful art, but there are far too few of them, and I at least prefer more detail.

The book does offer a very readable starting point for anyone interested in learning to work chipped stone. The brief bibliography will provide an entry into the relevant literature. There are also starting points for the internet and for acquiring casts of original artifacts and replicas.

This book is one of the best that I have read. While not as hands on (technical) as some, it goes into great depth in many areas of interest and takes an approach much different than other authors. Complete with many unique pictures, all in all, this book lacks nothing and is highly reccomended for anyones library collection. Travis....

This is a complete and easy to read work about making and hafting stone tools. Not overly scientific or technical, it is a start to finish guide aimed at novice and experienced knapper alike.

I believe this is the best book I have yet found on flintknapping. Full of information the other authors never touch, full of illustrations and very usefull information. I tell you the truth, when I say I highly recommend this book to all new knappers! Well written in an easy to understand way that flows from one area to next smoothly. This is an outstanding book on flintknapping!!!

This is a good book that explains basics concepts and history of stone tools.

All illustrations are hand drawn pictures no photos which is a minus. The book doesn't go into detail about how to hold or the strike angles needed to produce certain type of flakes.

I think it is worth reading but there are better instructional books out there.

this is a great resource for any knapper to have in his or her corner.