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Traditional Crafts of Ireland
The traditional crafts of the Irish people come to life in a richly illustrated study of the country's acclaimed woodcarvers, metalworkers, weavers, and renowned glassblowers.
256 pages, Hardcover
Published October 27, 2003
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Displaying 1 - 4 of 4 reviews
December 24, 2018
This book is a terrific overview of the crafts of Ireland. I got it for research I was doing into illuminated manuscripts. However, I was delighted to discover information on many topics about which I have always been curious. For instance, how a thatched roof is made, how gold is added to the edge of the pages of a book, how those stone walls are made without mortar, how books are bound. There’s a surprising amount of details in the material including text and photos. More than I would have expected for a book covering such a wide variety of topics. (Personal note: do not need this book for 2018 project)
March 14, 2009
This is an excellent survey of an astonishing array of traditional crafts practiced in Ireland. There are essays by experts that include descriptions of tools and techniques as well as the history of the craft, and there are photo essays on still more crafts. I especially loved the dozens of ink drawings which managed to be informative and beautiful at the same time.
Though I would still count it as a picture book for adults, most of the pictures are black and white, so it's not really eye-candy. I also regret their choice of small italic type for captions, some of which are lengthy. And if you are looking for an in-depth exposition of any one craft, this isn't the place to look. These minor flaws did not detract from my enjoyment of the book at all. What came through most to me was the attitude of respect and admiration for these skilled craftspeople. It was published in 1984, so many of the artisans featured must now be dead. Some of them were the last practitioners of their craft, so its a great gift to have their skills and knowledge documented.
Though I would still count it as a picture book for adults, most of the pictures are black and white, so it's not really eye-candy. I also regret their choice of small italic type for captions, some of which are lengthy. And if you are looking for an in-depth exposition of any one craft, this isn't the place to look. These minor flaws did not detract from my enjoyment of the book at all. What came through most to me was the attitude of respect and admiration for these skilled craftspeople. It was published in 1984, so many of the artisans featured must now be dead. Some of them were the last practitioners of their craft, so its a great gift to have their skills and knowledge documented.
September 30, 2023
An overview of crafts and craft tools in Ireland
This is not a how-to book. However, it does show close-ups of people in the process of doing crafts. There are also pictures of tools used in various crafts. The photographs are mostly black and white with a small color section (125). There are 440 illustrations. There are columns of information to go with each craft. Crafts coved include textiles, stonework, woodwork, (Willow, rush, and straw), lather, metalwork, pottery, glassware, candle making, fly-tying, and rural life. Makes a good coffee table book.
This is not a how-to book. However, it does show close-ups of people in the process of doing crafts. There are also pictures of tools used in various crafts. The photographs are mostly black and white with a small color section (125). There are 440 illustrations. There are columns of information to go with each craft. Crafts coved include textiles, stonework, woodwork, (Willow, rush, and straw), lather, metalwork, pottery, glassware, candle making, fly-tying, and rural life. Makes a good coffee table book.
August 26, 2016
Very interesting look into the artisans of Ireland.
Displaying 1 - 4 of 4 reviews