Abstract: |
A collection of new assessments of original sources and archaeological finds for specific types of materials used to produce consumer goods in the middle ages. Each section considers the acquisition, working and sale as a finished product of a particular material. The specialized work that went to make the housing, clothing, tools, vessels and ornaments of medieval people is described in detail, showing the skills, practices, careers and organization of the craftsmen in their guilds. After an `Introduction' by Nigel Ramsay (xv-xxxiv), there are 15 chapters dealing with: `Stone' by David Parsons (1-27), `Alabaster' by Nigel Ramsay (29-40), `Purbeck marble' by John Blair (41-56), `Tin, lead and pewter' by Ronald F Homer (57-80), `Copper alloys' by Claude Blair & John Blair (81-106), `Gold, silver and precious stones' by Marian Campbell (107-66), `Iron' by Jane Geddes (167-88), `Pottery and tile' by John Cherry (189-209), `Brick' by Nicholas J Moore (211-36), `Vessel glass' by R J Charleston (237-64), `Window glass' by Richard Marks (265-94), `Leather' by John Cherry (295-318), `Textiles' by Penelope Walton (319-54), `Antler, bone and horn' by Arthur MacGregor (355-78), and `Wood' by Julian Munby (379-405). MH |