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Medieval Costume, Armour and Weapons
Over 400 illustrations in this superb pictorial archive trace the evolution of clothing styles, armor, and weapons during the medieval period in Central Europe. Unsurpassed in its comprehensiveness and variety, the volume draws upon a wealth of authentic primary sources, including written accounts, contemporary paintings and sculpture, and the remains of textiles and other relics.
A profusion of apparel and weaponry are depicted, ranging from the simple tunics and robes of peasants, blacksmiths, gardeners, shoemakers, fishermen, and other common laborers to the fur-lined cloaks and brocaded garments of the aristocracy. Tools and utensils used by peasants as well as the battle equipment and armor of warriors are also pictured and described, with special emphasis on how these weapons were handled, carried, and used in combat.
Accompanied by a scrupulously researched and well-documented text, these royalty-free illustrations not only offer general readers an intriguing and authentic insight into a past age but also provide artists, historians, students of weaponry, and theater and film professionals with a highly accurate source of reference material.
A profusion of apparel and weaponry are depicted, ranging from the simple tunics and robes of peasants, blacksmiths, gardeners, shoemakers, fishermen, and other common laborers to the fur-lined cloaks and brocaded garments of the aristocracy. Tools and utensils used by peasants as well as the battle equipment and armor of warriors are also pictured and described, with special emphasis on how these weapons were handled, carried, and used in combat.
Accompanied by a scrupulously researched and well-documented text, these royalty-free illustrations not only offer general readers an intriguing and authentic insight into a past age but also provide artists, historians, students of weaponry, and theater and film professionals with a highly accurate source of reference material.
464 pages, Paperback
First published November 20, 2000
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January 11, 2019
This book is a treasure trove of information about the medieval times. Focusing on the Kingdom of Bohemia from 1350 t0 1450, it displays the dress, armor, arms, equipment, tack, and even the siege weapons based on authentic sources. While some readers may not be interested in Bohemia specifically, I think this focus makes the the content more interesting. Not only were the trends of the Hussite movement influential to Europe militarily as well as socially, as the authors point out, but it is also a rare subject in the English speaking world, making the information here valuable and scarce. In any case, the authors constantly compare and contrast the Bohemian trends with those of Germany and France, which gives the reader a wider perspective, if that is so desired.
The book is split into two parts. First is some 70 pages of descriptive text, providing background information to the various garments, arms, and armor. While dense, this information greatly augments the value of the illustrations that follow. Speaking of these, the second part, the main body of the book, is the collection of illustrations. Most of these are black and white, but there are a fair number of colored drawings. The illustrations are relatively simple, but they are extremely accurate, and detailed when necessary. Take for instance the technical drawings of crossbows, trebuchets, catapults, and more.
This book probably is of more appeal to the serious rather than the casual reader as I think the latter may find the text to be a bit of a slog, but I'm sure the illustrations will make for a pleasant time thumbing through the pages for every party.
The book is split into two parts. First is some 70 pages of descriptive text, providing background information to the various garments, arms, and armor. While dense, this information greatly augments the value of the illustrations that follow. Speaking of these, the second part, the main body of the book, is the collection of illustrations. Most of these are black and white, but there are a fair number of colored drawings. The illustrations are relatively simple, but they are extremely accurate, and detailed when necessary. Take for instance the technical drawings of crossbows, trebuchets, catapults, and more.
This book probably is of more appeal to the serious rather than the casual reader as I think the latter may find the text to be a bit of a slog, but I'm sure the illustrations will make for a pleasant time thumbing through the pages for every party.
Displaying 1 of 1 review