Customer Reviews

Woven into the Earth: Textile finds in Norse Greenland (None)

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

 

 

superb. The binding is good, the paper is good, the editing appears to be good, the content is way coool. The pictures (printed on a very fine semi-matte paper) are very clear; there are diagrams of almost every weave discussed, and clear discussions of all the weaving tools found in Greenland and some other Norse sites, as well as the material, dyes and finishing methods. Two garments are diagrammed on graph paper (a hood and a dress). The writing is clear and interesting and accessible, and the writers clearly care about the people who were behind the artifacts they are examining.
My only additional desire would be for a summary of the recent research on the history and demise of the Greenland colony (and maybe an explanation of the two-page statement in Inukitut (?)).

If you are a costumer or a scholar or a fan of weaving in different circumstances from the ones we enjoy now, this is a rewarding and fascinating book.

It is rare that more than a few shreds of fiber survive from an archaeological site. Thanks to the unique climate and soil conditions in Greenland, we have a number of whole garments that have survived from about a 200-year span during the middle of the medieval period. Until now, most of that information was known in detail only to specialists. Ms. Ostergard's book collects the information she and her colleagues have derived from the Greenland finds and presents it clearly and succinctly, with full color photographs and line illustrations describing the weave, cut, pattern and techniques used to sew the items in meticulous detail. This book is a permanent asset to the study of medieval costume, an instant classic and, thanks to its clarity of writing and layout, useful even for the costumer.

This hard-cover book, translated from Danish, is a fascinating look at an obscure treasure. Clothing found in the ancient settlements of Greenland (1000 A.D.) is discussed, color photos and drawings explaining construction details of the garments are included. It is a beautiful book and anyone interested in clothing or textiles of the middle ages will consider it a must-have.

This book is so well written that you can read it even if you aren't particularly interested in weaving, and enjoy it. It is a cultural connection between the craft of weaving and the culture of life. Highly recommended to weavers who are interested in the history of their craft.

This is a fantastic book for academical purposes or for someone who has been re-enacting early middle ages for some time.
By this I mean somebody who is really interested in making medieval garments themselves.
I would not recommend this book just for the pleasure of reading.

This book goes into the weaving, dyeing, thread production, types and amounts of animals needed for cloth production in the Greenland colony in the 14th century. Highly recommend it especially when the author comes to something that she didn't know she says we have no idea.

This is a must have for anyone interested in the subject. This book is well worth the price.