The Comb surveys the wide spectrum of the subject from ancient cultures to the 20th century. The principal materials together with the combmaker's craft are described, up to and including the important plastics developed since the mid-19th century. There are brief descriptions of the decorative elements that further embellish combs, together with a comprehensive glossary of terms associated with the subject. The book elaborates on the use of combs as articles of grooming and dressing, on ornamental combs as costume accessories, and on combs which have had specific purposes at various points in history such as those used within a liturgical setting. A short section also refers to combs depicted in paintings and stained glass, on family shields and tombstones, and on ceramics and textiles. Global in content, the study illustrates the comb as a personal possession with the context of widely differing cultures. The author has drawn on the knowledge, expertise, and experience of other collectors and scholars which, together with the results from her own original research, form a wide-ranging reference book to fascinate and beguile anyone interested in the many facets of the subject.
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Book Description
Editorial Reviews
About the Author
Jen Cruse's personal collection consists of over 1,500 combs, both decorative and utilitarian, the oldest dating from the second century BC.
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1 of 1 people found the following review helpful
By L. Chang
Format:Hardcover|Amazon Verified Purchase
I came across this book unexpectedly and became curious especially after reading Belva Green's review. Now very pleased I took the chance and purchased the book sight unseen. As an illustrator and also a textile artist, I admire craft or handwork very much and always interested in the history of objects, where they came from, why they might have been made, how they were made, the materials used and so on.
This book answered many of my questions as well as featuring many pics of interesting combs from all over the world with many detailed pics of different types of combs through the centuries. The text was very readable and not boring at all. I found the whole subject of combs fascinating!
One of the reasons why I buy these type books is to learn and be inspired...in my case, future illustrations and applique work will feature characters wearing interesting combs!!
This book answered many of my questions as well as featuring many pics of interesting combs from all over the world with many detailed pics of different types of combs through the centuries. The text was very readable and not boring at all. I found the whole subject of combs fascinating!
One of the reasons why I buy these type books is to learn and be inspired...in my case, future illustrations and applique work will feature characters wearing interesting combs!!
1 of 1 people found the following review helpful
By Belva Green
Format:Hardcover
BOOK REVIEW
A reference/collector-book, the Comb, Its History and Development, by Jen Cruse, ISBN 0709081375, published by Robert Hale, London, first edition, was released November 30, 2007.
Cruse's years of dedication to collecting and researching brings this
major new collector reference book to life. It is said to be the first comprehensive study, in the English language, dealing in-depth with ornamental combs and hairpins from around the world. Jen Cruse is a writer for the Antique Comb Collector, the newsletter of the Antique Comb Collectors Club International.
Combs illustrated, as well as those from antiquity, are from Victorian, Art Nouveau and Art Deco periods. Artists who designed combs worked in France, Great Britain, Scandinavia and many other countries. The variety of goods that combs are made from spans sources of carved ancient bone and antler -to ivory and solid gold, a host of other materials - and in modern times from contemporary plastics. From the first, they were carved from such materials as tortoise shell, horn, vulcanite and mother of pearl.
Most were popularly worn between 1870 and 1930. The history of the ornamental comb unfolds --tooth and prong, following fashion's trends and creating trends of design and style in line with discoveries found in graves and tombs.
Since 4,000 BC, combs have an important place in the belongings and in the grooming of both men and women.
Combmaking, tools, tips for collector on cleaning and caring for various materials, how to discover fakes and forgeries can save real money for a beginning or expert antique comb or jewelry collector, museum or historical society curator. Those who love beautiful books will enjoy this fascinating book.... Read more ›
A reference/collector-book, the Comb, Its History and Development, by Jen Cruse, ISBN 0709081375, published by Robert Hale, London, first edition, was released November 30, 2007.
Cruse's years of dedication to collecting and researching brings this
major new collector reference book to life. It is said to be the first comprehensive study, in the English language, dealing in-depth with ornamental combs and hairpins from around the world. Jen Cruse is a writer for the Antique Comb Collector, the newsletter of the Antique Comb Collectors Club International.
Combs illustrated, as well as those from antiquity, are from Victorian, Art Nouveau and Art Deco periods. Artists who designed combs worked in France, Great Britain, Scandinavia and many other countries. The variety of goods that combs are made from spans sources of carved ancient bone and antler -to ivory and solid gold, a host of other materials - and in modern times from contemporary plastics. From the first, they were carved from such materials as tortoise shell, horn, vulcanite and mother of pearl.
Most were popularly worn between 1870 and 1930. The history of the ornamental comb unfolds --tooth and prong, following fashion's trends and creating trends of design and style in line with discoveries found in graves and tombs.
Since 4,000 BC, combs have an important place in the belongings and in the grooming of both men and women.
Combmaking, tools, tips for collector on cleaning and caring for various materials, how to discover fakes and forgeries can save real money for a beginning or expert antique comb or jewelry collector, museum or historical society curator. Those who love beautiful books will enjoy this fascinating book.... Read more ›
By AmsHawes
Format:Hardcover|Amazon Verified Purchase
I have been a collector of antique hair combs for 20 years, and this is the best resource I have ever come across! It has beautiful color photos, great organiztion, and just very well put together and well-written. This book will literally answer any question you have about hair combs (it is not a price guide, though... Cruse should put one out). I absolutely love this book!
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