| The Lewis Chessmen Contributor(s): Robinson, J. (Author) |
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ISBN: 0714150231 ISBN-13: 9780714150239 Publisher: British Museum Press OUR PRICE: $12.30 Product Type: Paperback Published: December 2004 Annotation: These enchanting chess pieces consist of elaborately worked walrus ivory and whales' teeth in the form of seated kings and queens, mitred bishops, knights on their mounts, standing warders and pawns in the shape of obelisks. They were found in the vicinity of Uig on the Isle of Lewis, Outer Hebrides, in mysterious circumstances some time before 11th April 1831. Various stories have evolved to explain why they were concealed there, and how they were discovered. This book takes a lively look at the many theories surrounding the ownership of the pieces, why they were hidden and how exactly they were discovered, and places them in the wider context of the ancient game of chess and secular culture of the Middle Ages. |
| Additional Information |
| BISAC Categories: - Art | History - Medieval |
| Dewey: 731.897 |
| LCCN: 2007277074 |
| Series: Objects in Focus |
| Physical Information: 0.21" H x 6.53" W x 8.31" (0.35 lbs) 64 pages |
| Themes: - Chronological Period - Medieval (500-1453) |
| Descriptions, Reviews, Etc. |
| Publisher Description: Made from walrus ivory some time between AD 1150 and 1200, the Lewis Chessmen are iconic artefacts from the early medieval period. This concise book provides a guide to the history of these chess pieces including the story of their discovery in 1831, followed by skulduggery, deception and controversy as they were sold off to various parties including the British Museum, where most of them are found today. Issues of the raw materials used, the skill of the craftsmen, their place of origin, stylistic features are placed within the context of the game of chess in medieval Europe. |