Description
Discover the enchanting world of the Lewis Chessmen with 'Ivory Vikings', a captivating exploration that unravels the mysteries behind these iconic chess pieces. Unearthed on a Hebridean beach in Scotland in the early 1800s, these 93 intricate chessmen, carved from walrus ivory, have intrigued historians and enthusiasts alike. Each piece showcases unique characteristics, making them a standout treasure of Viking culture and craftsmanship.
Delve into the rich history of the Vikings who navigated the North Atlantic from the 800s to the 900s, as 'Ivory Vikings' connects medieval Icelandic sagas with modern archaeology and art history. This comprehensive narrative highlights the far-reaching cultural exchanges between Norway, Scotland, Ireland, Iceland, Greenland, and even North America.
With 288 pages of expert insights, 'Ivory Vikings' not only focuses on the craftsmanship behind these extraordinary chess pieces but also shines a light on the remarkable artist Margret the Adroit of Iceland, whose talent emerged in a time when women's contributions were often overlooked. This essential read enhances your understanding of the Viking Age and the allure that led to transatlantic exploration.
Condition: BRAND NEW
ISBN: 9781137279378
Year: 2016
Publisher: St Martins Press
Free shipping for this item! Please allow up to 6 weeks for delivery. Once your order is placed, it cannot be cancelled.
Note: Shipping for this item is free. Please allow up to 6 weeks for delivery. Once your order is placed, it cannot be cancelled.
Condition: BRAND NEW
ISBN: 9781137279378
Year: 2016
Publisher: St Martins Press
Pages: 288
Description:
In the early 1800s, on a Hebridean beach in Scotland, the sea exposed an ancient treasure cache: 93 chessmen carved from walrus ivory. Norse netsuke, each face individual, each full of quirks, the Lewis Chessmen are probably the most famous chess pieces in the world. Harry played Wizard's Chess with them in Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone. Housed at the British Museum, they are among its most visited and beloved objects.
Questions abounded: Who carved them? Where? Ivory Vikings explores these mysteries by connecting medieval Icelandic sagas with modern archaeology, art history, forensics, and the history of board games. In the process, Ivory Vikings presents a vivid history of the 400 years when the Vikings ruled the North Atlantic, and the sea-road connected countries and islands we think of as far apart and culturally distinct: Norway and Scotland, Ireland and Iceland, and Greenland and North America. The story of the Lewis chessmen explains the economic lure behind the Viking voyages to the west in the 800s and 900s. And finally, it brings from the shadows an extraordinarily talented woman artist of the twelfth century: Margret the Adroit of Iceland.
Delve into the rich history of the Vikings who navigated the North Atlantic from the 800s to the 900s, as 'Ivory Vikings' connects medieval Icelandic sagas with modern archaeology and art history. This comprehensive narrative highlights the far-reaching cultural exchanges between Norway, Scotland, Ireland, Iceland, Greenland, and even North America.
With 288 pages of expert insights, 'Ivory Vikings' not only focuses on the craftsmanship behind these extraordinary chess pieces but also shines a light on the remarkable artist Margret the Adroit of Iceland, whose talent emerged in a time when women's contributions were often overlooked. This essential read enhances your understanding of the Viking Age and the allure that led to transatlantic exploration.
Condition: BRAND NEW
ISBN: 9781137279378
Year: 2016
Publisher: St Martins Press
Free shipping for this item! Please allow up to 6 weeks for delivery. Once your order is placed, it cannot be cancelled.
Note: Shipping for this item is free. Please allow up to 6 weeks for delivery. Once your order is placed, it cannot be cancelled.
Condition: BRAND NEW
ISBN: 9781137279378
Year: 2016
Publisher: St Martins Press
Pages: 288
Description:
In the early 1800s, on a Hebridean beach in Scotland, the sea exposed an ancient treasure cache: 93 chessmen carved from walrus ivory. Norse netsuke, each face individual, each full of quirks, the Lewis Chessmen are probably the most famous chess pieces in the world. Harry played Wizard's Chess with them in Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone. Housed at the British Museum, they are among its most visited and beloved objects.
Questions abounded: Who carved them? Where? Ivory Vikings explores these mysteries by connecting medieval Icelandic sagas with modern archaeology, art history, forensics, and the history of board games. In the process, Ivory Vikings presents a vivid history of the 400 years when the Vikings ruled the North Atlantic, and the sea-road connected countries and islands we think of as far apart and culturally distinct: Norway and Scotland, Ireland and Iceland, and Greenland and North America. The story of the Lewis chessmen explains the economic lure behind the Viking voyages to the west in the 800s and 900s. And finally, it brings from the shadows an extraordinarily talented woman artist of the twelfth century: Margret the Adroit of Iceland.