Roman, Byzantine and Early Medieval Glass: Ernesto Wolf Collection [Hardcover]

Marianne Stern (Author), Peter Frankenstein (Photographer), Hendrik Zwietasch (Photographer), Sylvia Funfschilling (Author), Johan Grimonprez (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: December 2, 2001

With the instincts of a true connoisseur, Ernest Wolf built a remarkably comprehensive collection of Roman, Byzantine, and early Medieval glasswork that is published here for the first time. Together these objects trace the formation of the great Roman glass industry and follow its development through the early Middle Ages. Written in clear, non-technical language, and readily accessible to the non-specialist, Roman, Byzantine and Early Medieval Glass consists of five chapters--arranged in loose chronological order--that investigate the art history and cultural context of 235 glass vessels and objects. The emphasis is on the relationship between objects made in the western part of the Roman Empire, focusing on Italy and the northwestern provinces, and in the Eastern Mediterranean, focusing on Syrio-Palestinian workshops. An extensive glossary presents the how, when, and where of the most salient characteristics of vessels blown in different areas of the Roman and Byzantine empires. Sumptuously illustrated with color photographs and drawings, this animated text makes for that rare publication: an essential scholarly text that can hold its own on a coffee table.

Product Details

• Hardcover: 200 pages
• Publisher: Hatje Cantz Publishers (December 2, 2001)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 377579042X
• ISBN-13: 978-3775790420
• Product Dimensions: 10.8 x 9.7 x 1.3 inches
• Shipping Weight: 5.4 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 4.7 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (3 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,819,823 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Definitive, authoritive and simply beautiful, June 28, 2010

By 

Wulfstan "wulfstan" (San Jose, CA United States) - See all my reviews
(TOP 500 REVIEWER)    (VINE VOICE)   

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Roman, Byzantine and Early Medieval Glass: Ernesto Wolf Collection (Hardcover)

This is a large "10x11" sized book, around 200 pages, with over 200 lovely color plates and other illustrations. In fact, that's what most of this book is- a large color plate with history, description and excellent notes. Each is a masterwork in of itself- both the original glass piece and the photo with the well written descriptions and notes.

Each plate could almost be framed, they are that nice. The photos are usually about 4"x6" leaving room for the text. Each plate represents one item in the Wolf collection.

The tome starts out with a comprehensive glossary. The author starts about 30BCE, and each chapter has about a 20 page intro, covering the history and types found in that era and area.We then have around 50 plates per chapter, as described above.

The book ends around the 8th Century. Besides Roman, Byzantine and Early medieval, the author also covers early Islamic Ummayad vessels, some Palestinian and other associated areas and eras of the main period and geographical areas.

Of course, most of the book is on vessels- beakers, bowls, urns, jugs, etc. However, there is a nice section on objects of personal adornment- ring stones, seals and especially beads.

This book is perfect for any person who loves this period or loves glass. Artists, collectors or historians.

0 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Almost perfect, September 18, 2010

By 

Zuzu - See all my reviews

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Roman, Byzantine and Early Medieval Glass: Ernesto Wolf Collection (Hardcover)

The book itself was in perfect condition, 'new' as described by the seller. However, the dust jacket was badly smudged in a very visible spot on the front cover and since I purchased the item as a gift, it was unsuitable for the intended purpose. Nevertheless, the seller was very responsive upon receiving my complaint and sent a new dust jacket right away in a tube mailer. It arrived in perfect condition and despite the delay, all worked out well. I would use them again - it was a very good price for the product.

2 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Roman, Byzantine and Early Medieval Glass: Ernesto Wolf Coll, February 28, 2002

By A Customer

This review is from: Roman, Byzantine and Early Medieval Glass: Ernesto Wolf Collection (Hardcover)

Excellent coverage of the collection. Combines extremely nice pictures with excellent background information.