Customer Reviews

Techniques Of Medieval Armour Reproduction: The 14th Century (Medieval & Renaissance)

5 star:		(33)
4 star:		(4)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

I first joined the SCA about 2 years ago, and took an immediate fancy to the armorer's craft. In the two years that I've been there, I have never fought in anything that I didn't make myself. I began studying armor construction at about the same time I started, but didn't really get started on making anything decent until about a year ago, and this book was extremely helpful in getting me get turned in the right direction. The second half of the book provides a very useful manual for making specific pieces; for example, I absolutely love the thoroughness of his description for making a leg harness. The first half of the book, however, was the most useful; descriptions of the tools, applications, hammerwork techniques, polishing, strapping, padding, and the like were all covered in very thoughtful detail, which makes this book an excellent source of reference that I use quite often. I don't have any particular gripes about this book, but I will say this: this book is intended for historically authentic designs, so a bit of alteration might be required contrary to the design schemes presented if you're in the SCA. However, overall, I don't feel that that is enough to bring this book down to four stars, especially since I believe that historical authenticity, rather than SCA armor, was his goal when he wrote this book; overall, it ranks at a very solid five (although I would really like to see the author do another on SCA armor design).

This book is incredibly informative for someone like myself when I got it. I had just began to make armour under a master's tutelage. It's considered required reading by most armouring groups that I know of.

However, it teaches you slightly less than you might realize, and certainly teaches some biases. For example, Price's personal views are clearly reflected in the book, not as his opinions, but stated as fact. When read by itself, this isn't something noticable, but when coupled with "The Armourer and his Craft", by Charles ffoulkes (inexpensive book, and definately a must read for armourers) it's quite dramatic at times.

However, having said that, I agreed with Mr. Price on a lot of his opinions. There are conflicts of interest though, when he states repeatedly some of the basic tenents of armouring, yet contradicts them with some of his personal choices.

Another beef I have with the book is the way in which pictures of armor that are CLEARLY reproductions are toted as being EXTREMELY well made, when quite frankly, they aren't, and certainly shouldn't be used as guides. (For example. dish your cuisses folks.. don't just curl them). Some of these nuances aren't apparent until you immerse yourself in images of the real stuff first, to develop your "eye". If you try to develop your "eye" with repro work, your best work will never compare to the originals.

I'm not claiming mastery, or that I'm better than anyone that's gotten their stuff pictured, I'm just saying that you need REAL reference pics of REAL armour. Aside from that, the book REALLY holds your hand and builds a very strong learning foundation. It's also a great place to refer back to as you go through the various stages of making your armour. It's certainly inspiring, I just recommend caution, and suggest that you keep asking questions, and getting second opinions rather than take the whole book at face value.

I bought this book based on the stellar reviews listed here. For a beginner or someone with general interest this book is certainly a great reference, but for someone who would actually like to try to make their own armour I found this book lacking in several respects. My two biggest complaints were regarding the lack of materials on raising (there is a great description of dishing with many photos and good technical advice) and on thermal treatments.

The author gives a short description of raising and then states that it is an advanced technique and beyond the scope of this book. Raising was used extensively to make many medieval helms and is a MAJOR technique for making certain types of reproductions - by giving this process just a cursory overview the reader gets no real useful understanding of the raising process or how to even start (or how much effort is involved). I was hoping to see an example, such as a Norman helm, raised from a sheet, step by step, including a discussion on the pros/cons of working cold with anneals vs. working hot.

The other area which is sorely lacking is the chapter of heat treatments. While the various methods used historically are mentioned and the science and metallury involved is well described, actual techniques and how-to's of working cold with anneals or working with metal hot were sorely absent. It would have been really nice to see several example projects done with a variety of different techniques.

In summary: This is a well written book and clearly the author is well-versed in the history and technical aspects of armor making. The methods that the author wishes to cover in detail are clear, valuable, and educational. In this sense this is probably the best or most comprehensive book on the subject.

HOWEVER, my main concern is that two major techniques (raising & thermal treatements) used extensively by armourers are virtually ignored. In my humble opinion, if the next edition of this book were to beef up the chapters on raising and thermal treatments (with photos, descriptions of the actual process) as well as include more examples of different styles of armour construction, this book would be a true masterpiece.

Techniques of Armour Reproduction by Brian Price is a masterwork and a MUST HAVE for anyone interested in becoming an armourer, or even for those who want to further their armouring skills. Mr. Prices book is a carefully crafted, very well detailed tome of knowledge that stems from years of practical experience. Unlike the Medieval armourers that went to their graves with the secrets of their art, Mr. Price shares every aspect of the armouring process without leaving out a single element of how each piece is created. From the process of choosing and finding tools to the techniques of every step in the creation of armour, this book leaves no stone unturned. From patterns to polish, Mr. Price shares his vast knowledge with passion and precision. Each page is accompanied by clear and informative pictures that show the reader exactly what his descriptions so skillfully detail. As armourers, we at Summer Knights are constantly honing our skills and challenging our abilities to push ourselves to the next level of mastery. But we cant begin to think of how much trial and error we could have avoided if we had owned Mr. Prices book sooner! In any case, the book has already proven most useful to the Summer Knights Armoury and we know it will enhance your armouring skills too! ...

Brian R. Price's work Techniques of Medieval Armour Production: 14th Century is a "must own" for anyone seriuoly iterested in the craft of armouring. Clear, concise, it offers the reader execellent text and photographs that bring the art to life.
Well laid out, the book traces the history of armour, and its current "revival" amoung Medieval Societies. It also discusses (in depth)necessary tools, hammer methods, riveting, measuring, design layout, modifications for modern considerations- basically the entire gamut of the craft.
Photos are rich in detail, and text supports well the photos shown. The reader is taken through the processes needed to learn the craft, and then projects for the beginner are offered.
Truly a book wrtten with an eager craftsperson in mind.

I got my reviewer's copy, and I have to say I really liked Mr. Price's book. It's not much for plot or characters, mind you, but if you want to learn how to make armor, this is an invaluable handbook. It is thorough, well-written, well-documented, and draws a clear line between the way things were and modern necessity. Mr. Price takes us through everything from plans, tools, workshop, materials, and techniques to the construction of a full suit of 14th century armor.

The main downside is that, while keeping other users in mind, and with an overall view towards authenticity, it seemed somewhat slanted towards an SCA audience. Still, I suppose that reminders to construct your helmets out of at least 14 gauge steel and include a chin strap can't hurt!

While I have only dabbled with makeing Armor,and wished mainly for more information on what to look for and how it was made.I do work with steel. Mr.Price has a breadth and depth that is lacking in most of the books and articles on Armor construction. As a texbook it superb. As an illustrated guide it is excellent. After I study it awhile longer I may decide to make my own Armor.
Yours Aye, Arik

I truly wish I had this book when I first started venturing into amateur armour smithing! Talk about an incredible resource - this book is filled with detailed pictures, instructions, and information that are a godsend to anyone with an interest in building armour. Even those who don't actually build their own will find Mr Price's insight into the beautiful art of armouring intriguing, and it is filled with detailed pictures and easy to read walk throughs. I can't wait to see more like this in the future!

I was a little unsure about the cost of this book before I ordered it, but seeing all the other positive reviews, I figured I would give it a try. Without a doubt I can say that this book is worth every penny, and then some. Even if you are only interested in merely understanding medieval armour a little more, and have no desire to construct armour yourself (although this book can certainly change that!), you should purchase this book.

Thank you for an excellent book Brian!

This book is simply fantastic. There are no other books of this kind in existance - this is the first of its kind. Not only is this book a fantastic reference source for making armour, but it also contains a "history" of the modern art of making armour, tracing its roots to some of the premier armourers of our time.

As I said in the title, if you are interested in how armour is made, there simply is no other book in existance, past or present, with this kind of material. Sure, some books talk /about/ armour (in varying degrees of detail), and some might even briefly talk about how it was made.

This book shows exactly how to make armour. It's the next best thing to being apprenticed to a master armourer.